Advance Diversity Services (ADS) was proud to offer a special community screening of Crossing as part of Queer Screen’s 32nd Mardi Gras Film Festival on February 19 at Event Cinemas Hurstville. This subsidised screening was an incredible opportunity for the local community to come together and celebrate the power of queer storytelling on the big screen. Directed by acclaimed Swedish-Georgian filmmaker, Levan Akin, Crossing is a deeply moving drama that has won multiple awards over the past twelve months, including the Berlinale Teddy Jury Award in 2024. Primarily filmed in Istanbul, Turkey, with scenes also taking place in Batumi, Georgia, Crossing follows retired Georgian history teacher, Lia (Mzia Arabuli), as she embarks on a journey to Istanbul in search of her runaway trans niece, Tekla (Tako Kurdovanidze). With the help of her teenage neighbour, Achi (Lucas Kankava) and trans lawyer, Evrim (Deniz Dumanli), Lia navigates a world she never expected to be part of, finding hope and connection within Istanbul’s vibrant queer community. Akin’s fourth feature film is an ode to humanity filled with emotional immediacy that touched many hearts in our audience.
ADS Chief Executive Officer, Antoinette Chow, said that the film’s themes of identity, resilience and belonging make it an important story for audiences everywhere.
‘Crossing is a film that highlights the strength and beauty of the queer community while shedding light on the challenges many trans individuals face. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of friendship, acceptance and the importance of building an inclusive and welcoming community’ Ms Chow said.
The discounted tickets for the Hurstville screening made it possible for more people to access this compelling story. The event was well attended by community members eager to experience the film and engage in meaningful conversations about its themes.
ADS remains committed to promoting diverse storytelling by partnering with Queer Screen to ensure culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities have opportunities to see their stories and identities reflected on screen. Ms Chow said events like this screening foster dialogue, understanding and representation for the LGBTIQA+ community in Sydney’s south.
‘Film is a powerful medium for change. Seeing authentic and diverse queer narratives on screen is not only reflective of lived experiences, but also fosters empathy and understanding. We’re thrilled by the positive response to Crossing and look forward to bringing more films like this to our community in the future.’
ADS would like to thank Queer Screen, our community partners and everyone who attended the screening for making this event such a success.
If you or someone you know is looking for support, ADS provides a Multicultural LGBTIQA+ Support Directory, featuring groups and services available across Sydney, NSW. You can access this resource via the ‘Resources’ button on our website.
For more information on future screenings and ADS’s work in supporting the LGBTIQA+ CALD community, visit our website or follow us on social media.