Australia | 2015 | English | Romance, Drama | MA15+

Based on the much-loved Australian queer memoir, Holding the Man is the story of a fifteen year love affair starring Ryan Corr and Craig Stott, alongside Guy Pearce, Anthony LaPaglia and Kerry Fox.

The course of teenage love rarely runs smooth, but this is especially true when you’re secretly gay in an Aussie all-male school in the 1970s and entranced by the captain of the football team.

A pair of star-crossed lovers, Timothy Conigrave and John Caleo meet when Tim is in a high-school production of Romeo and Juliet. The encounter ignites a romance that endures for 15 years to laugh in the face of everything life throws at it – the separations, the discriminations, the temptations, the jealousies and the losses.

Based on Timothy Conigrave’s cult-classic and hilarious memoir, and the inspiration for the award-winning stage play, Holding the Man is the warm, funny and achingly sad true-life story that speaks across generations, sexualities and cultures. Adapted by Tommy Murphy, directed by Neil Armfield and produced by Goalpost Pictures, the film features a stellar cast of Australian talent including Ryan Corr and Craig Stott in the lead roles, with Guy Pearce, Anthony LaPaglia, Sarah Snook, Kerry Fox and Camilla Ah Kin.

The screening marks the 40th anniversary of ACON, as well as the 30th anniversary of Tim Conigrave’s memoir and the 10th anniversary of the film.

Presented by Sydney Opera House, Queer Screen Film Fest & ACON.