Isn’t this faaabulous?! The NSFA is hosting a special screening of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

Posted on 19 August, 2024

And yes, there will be drag performances in the NFSA courtyard.

Just in time for the start of spring, the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) has announced that they will be celebrating the 30^th-anniversary re-release of the cult Australian film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert with a special screening of the film.

But fans of the movie (which has given us very quotable lines like ‘Now listen here you mullet’ and ‘Oh shut your face, Felicia’) better sissy that walk – because along with the opportunity to watch Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce, and Terence Stamp don some beautiful frocks and sit on a rock, they’ll also be hosting a fabulous night with drag performances, special guests, a post-screening Q&A and more.

Taking place on Wednesday 4 September, from 6 pm, attendees can don their heels at a pre-screening soiree, where they’ll receive a drink on arrival and enjoy live drag performances by Blisted Sisters – an iconic and dynamic local drag trio made up of Lucinda Bush (Geza Szanto), Wanda Dinn (Joe Dinn) and Venus (Samuel Townsend).

And in what might just be the most fabulous treasure trail ever, there will also be the opportunity to discover some iconic moments from the film throughout the NFSA building, with the Australian documentary Between a Frock and a Hard Place showing in the Mediatheque, and the thong dress worn by Hugo Weaving on glorious display in The Library.

Then, at 7 pm, the re-release screening kicks off in Arc Cinema with an introduction from executive producer Rebel Penfold-Russell. But that’s not all. For those that want to stick around a bit longer, there will be even more Priscilla magic after the film, with a post-screening Q&A featuring Penfold-Russell; costume designer Tim Chappel; Garry McQuinn, lead producer of the hit stage musical adaptation; and Graeme Mason, screen industry executive and former Screen Australia CEO.

Basically, it will be a massive high-glitter mix of fashion, musical talent, and lip sync, and you’ll probably laugh so hard your lashes will curl all by themselves.

All part of a massive line-up from the NFSA for their Spring Film Series – which will also include a 50th-anniversary screening of The Cars That Ate Paris, a live performance from Sydney’s Rejoice Gospel Choir, and a glam rock performance by Pass/Fail – plenty is happening, so keep an eye out and start your engines!

Feature image supplied.