On June 24th, GAZE International LGBTQIA Film Festival and the Irish Film Institute celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Marriage Referendum, with thanks to LGBT Ireland, with a very special event including:

* A first look at the GAZE 2025 programme.

* An exclusive premiere of the GAZE 2025 festival trailer.

* A screening of Making History, directed by Anna Rodgers, which documents Ireland’s marriage equality campaign a decade ago.

* A screening of the 2024 Iris Prize Winner, Blood Like Water, by Palestinian filmmaker Dima Hamdan.

* A selection of short films from this year’s programme.

* And a post-screening cocktail provided by our drinks partner, Teeling Whiskey!

Join us on Pride Week to celebrate and remember our collective history, our rich culture, our ongoing solidarity with queer and trans people around the world, and the indomitable spirit and sexiness of the LGBTQIA community.

Read more about the film selections below:

Blood Like Water (2023, Palestine, 14 mins)

Dir./Writ. Dima Hamdan / Prod. Farah Abushwesha, Jiries Copti, Tony Copti, Dima Hamdan

Shadi embarks on a secret adventure, accidentally drawing his family into a trap. They’re left with only two choices: either collaborate with the Israeli occupation or be shamed by their own people. A powerful study of blackmail, politics, family, and queer realities in Palestine.

WHILE WE STILL HAVE TIME (2024, Australia, 15 mins)

Dir. Ava Grimshaw-Hall / Writ. Ava Grimshaw-Hall, Cindy Clarkson / Prod. Jasper Caverly, Peta Hitchens

Daughter-cum-documentary filmmaker Ava Grimshaw-Hall embarks on a journey to connect with her sperm donor father John, who is battling an aggressive cancer. John introduces Ava to his other baby, the Thorne Harbour Health AIDS Memorial Quilt, as they discuss his legacy and uncertain future with love, warmth and humour.

‘While We Still Have Time’ will play in the ‘Three HIV Legacy Stories’ programme at GAZE 2025.

Hear. Me. Out. (2024, Japan, 17 mins) 

Dir./Writ. Yukie Mochizuki

It’s Halloween, Maki is alone, nobody recognises her feminist Patrick Bateman costume, and she’s too shy to talk to a beautiful girl at the party. Lacking the courage to make a move, she’s approached instead by non-binary guest Yoe, and the two awkward partygoers share an unexpected conversation about queer identity, solidarity and friendship.

‘Hear. Me. Out.’ will play in the ‘Three Japanese Love Stories’ programme at GAZE 2025.

MAKING HISTORY (2015, Ireland, 4 mins)

Dir. Anna Rodgers

Ending on a high note! This short documentary, made in collaboration with GAZE during the marriage referendum, captures the emotional impact of this historical date.