The XPOSED Queer Film Festival Berlin returns for its vibrant 19th edition, showcasing an eclectic mix of 13 feature films and 48 short films hailing from over 30 countries. From May 29 to June 1, 2025, Berlin transforms into a celebration of queer visibility and artistic expression as the festival takes center stage at iconic venues throughout the city.
Queer Liberation Through Filmmaking: A Bold Stand
XPOSED embraces the essence of queer cinema as a significant part of contemporary social dialogue. This year, amid various global challenges, the festival takes a critical look at its mission of advocating for queer narratives. It shines a light on urgent issues ranging from Indigenous rights and abortion access to the fight against femicide and the perpetual claims for peace in conflict zones, including Ukraine and Palestine.
Tickets and full program via xposedfilmfestival.com/2025
The curated program encapsulates a rich tapestry of themes—exploring complicated joy, migration, underground archives, rebellious bodies, and digital intimacies. Notably, flora emerges as a recurring motif, symbolizing the resilience and vibrancy of queer communities navigating adversity.
Spotlight on Remarkable Films
Among the distinguished offerings is How to Live, the debut feature by Kenyan director Njoroge Muthoni. It offers a tender exploration of Nairobi’s ballroom culture and the elation of queer identity.
(Screening: Thursday, May 29, 9:00 PM, Moviemento Cinema)
Meanwhile, Onda Nova, an audacious comedic gem from Ícaro (Francisco C.) Martins and José Antonio Garcia, who faced bans under Brazil’s military dictatorship, make waves with their inventive narrative centred around a football club’s challenges. This film relaunches in stunning 4K restoration.
(Screening: Friday, May 30, 4:00 PM, Moviemento Cinema)
Additional feature highlights include Trans Memoria, a poignant reflection by Victoria Verseau on personal transition and loss, and Tripoli / A Tale of Three Cities by Raed Rafei, another compelling narrative of returning to a place once shunned.
Short Film Programs: A Glimpse into the Future
XPOSED continues to foster talent through its nine short film programs, presenting a collection of 48 engaging works that speak to survival, authenticity, and the quest for belonging. Encounter everyday nuances through pieces like Dancing In The Light by Julie Petríková, delve into transformation with I Am A Flower by Ariel Victor Arthanto, and romantic fantasies in JuJu vs The Possibilities of Love, Life & Death by Htet Aung Lwyn.
Explore the poignant past and present in Monica Vanesa Tedja’s My Therapist Said, I Am Full of Sadness, and uncover hidden connections through Valentin Noujaïm’s OCEANIA, a narrative that weaves anticolonial solidarity and the history of the AIDS epidemic.
Lastly, don’t miss the world premiere of We will be who we are by Priscillia Kounkou Hoveyda. Set against the backdrop of Sierra Leone, it follows two best friends navigating societal pressures through the unconventional choice to marry each other.
Do not miss the 19th XPOSED Queer Film Festival — a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the audacious spirit of queer cinema. Mark your calendars and be part of this unmissable event!
Dates: May 29 – June 1, 2025
Location: Moviemento Kreuzberg (Main Venue)
Additional Screenings: Wolf Kino, Il Kino & Babylon Kreuzberg
Tickets and full program via xposedfilmfestival.com/2025
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