Queer Lisboa – International Queer Film Festival, returning to Cinema São Jorge and the Cinemateca Portuguesa from 18 to 26 September, announces a new section and new confirmations for Panorama.

Queer Family: a new section

A long-standing goal of the festival, on its 30th anniversary, Queer Lisboa is launching a new section dedicated to kids and their families. The focus is on a culturally enriching experience through independent films that explore themes of inclusion and identity. The films in the program take the world of their protagonists—their dreams, desires, and hopes—seriously and seek to help them resolve their problems, big or small.

Two feature-length fictions directed by Brazilian filmmakers make up the programme. Gugu’s World (2026) follows Gugu, a boy passionate about soccer, who was lovingly raised by his grandmother Dilma in rural Ceará. As her health deteriorates, he faces the possibility of having to live with a father who does not accept him. The film explores his struggle to protect the only unconditional love he knows. Gugu’s World was awarded Best Film by both the youth and the international jury in the Berlinale’s Generation Kplus section, where it received an emotional reception.

Papaya (2025), a dialogue-free animated film, centres on a tiny papaya seed in the Amazon that longs to fly instead of taking root like all the other seeds. As she dares to be different and her dream comes true, she must find her own way back to where she belongs. Priscilla Kellen’s debut feature is a fable about self-discovery, courage, and the bonds that unite us even when we drift apart. Young audiences will enjoy a gentle, colorful, and musical adventure, while older viewers will notice its commentary on industrialized agriculture.

Panorama: new addition

The Panorama section wraps up its program with two North-American titles from the West Coast. Stop! That! Train! is a hilarious comedy, sci-fi, disaster film with hints of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, led by RuPaul and a troupe of drag queens from World of Wonder. The latest film by Andy Shankman, known for the comedies Hairspray (2007) and The Wedding Planner (2001), among others, promises to turn Cinema São Jorge into a riot.

Set in San Francisco, Outerlands is a tender indie drama that follows Cass, a young adult juggling multiple jobs, who unexpectedly finds themselves caring for the daughter of a coworker for whom they harbor a crush. As this new role extends over time, Cass is once again confronted with difficult memories from their own childhood. Starring Asia Kate Dillon (Orange Is the New Black), Elena Oxman’s debut feature is a tender look at the effects that family can have on an individual: at turns disruptive and at turns a source of personal fulfillment.

The full programme of Queer Lisboa 30 will be announced on 2nd of September, while Queer Porto 12’s programme, taking place from 3 to 7 November, will be announced in early October.

FILMS ANNOUNCED FOR QUEER LISBOA 30:

QUEER FAMILY

Feito Pipa / Gugu’s World, Allan Deberton (Brazil, 2026, 93’)

Papaya, Priscilla Kellen (Brazil, 2025, 74’)

PANORAMA

Outerlands, Elena Oxman (USA, 2025, 101’) 

Stop! That! Train!, Adam Shankman (USA, 2026, 92’)