Lovers Film Festival celebrates 40 years with an unforgettable edition

Turin is preparing to host the 40th edition of the Lovers Film Festival, the longest-running LGBTQI+ film festival in Europe and the third longest-running in the world. From April 10 to 17, 2025, Cinema Massimo – National Cinema Museum will be the vibrant heart of eight days of screenings, meetings, and special events. This milestone confirms Lovers as a key reference point for international queer cinema.Torino si prepara ad accogliere la 40ª edizione del

“Our history is made of courage and determination, of voices that have fought to emerge and tell stories of love in all its forms,” says artistic director  Vladimir Luxuria. “This year, we celebrate not only our festival but the entire LGBTQI+ community, whose strength has made this extraordinary journey possible.”

A Special Guest and a Prestigious Award

The festival will be inaugurated by actress Karla Sofía Gascón, fresh from the success of Emilia Pérez, a nominee for the 2025 Oscars. The opening night, on April 10 at the Temple Hall of the Mole Antonelliana, will feature Andrea Occhipinti and renowned drag queens Karma B.

One of the most anticipated moments will be the presentation of the Stella della Mole Award to Alan Cumming, a multifaceted artist and tireless activist. “Cumming is a symbol of resilience and talent, an example of how art and activism can merge to create a lasting impact,” comments Luxuria.

Must-See Films and Competitive Sections

The 2025 edition will showcase 70 films from 26 countries, divided into the following main sections:

• All The Lovers (feature film competition)

• Real Lovers (documentary competition)

• Future Lovers (short film competition)

The opening film will be Vivre, mourir, renaître by Gaël Morel, set in 1990s Paris and centered on a love triangle shaken by AIDS.

Among the most anticipated titles are Thom Browne: The Man Who Tailors Dreams, a documentary on Thom Browne’s stylistic revolution; Satanic Sow by Rosa Von Praunheim, awarded at the Teddy Awards; and the remake of The Wedding Banquet by Andrew Ahn, starring Lily Gladstone and Bowen Yang.

Special Guests and Exclusive Events

Notable guests include international and Italian figures such as James Duval, Gaël Morel, Gabriele Salvatores, Andrea Occhipinti, Rita Rusic, and Lorenzo Balducci. The festival will also welcome Cynthia Kruk, a surrogate mother whose story is at the heart of the documentary Prima di tutto.

Music will take center stage with a much-anticipated live performance by Ditonellapiaga. At the same time, entertainment will range from the comedy of Alessio Marzilli and Le Rubrichette to performances by drag queens like La Diamond and Tekemaya.

Lovers Celebrations: Honoring the Past and Embracing the Future

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the festival will pay tribute to directors and productions that have made history in LGBTQI+ cinema. Lovers is Lucky will explore Lucky Red’s commitment to distributing queer masterpieces, while Homage to Gaël Morel and Gregg Araki Retrospective will bring iconic works back to the big screen.

In a critical historical moment for LGBTQI+ rights in many countries, the Living in America focus will examine the evolution of the queer community in the United States, featuring films such as Paris Is Burning and The Secret of Me. Italian queer cinema will also be highlighted through Spot Italia, a selection of documentaries on national LGBTQI+ realities.

A Birthday Dedicated to Freedom

This year’s theme, “To Emerge,” is an anthem to visibility and resilience:

“Turin emerges, our festival emerges, our stories emerge. Because the right to exist and be told cannot be denied,” concludes Vladimir Luxuria.

The 2025 edition promises to be an unmissable event for cinephiles and activists, celebrating 40 years of cinema, culture, and rights. Lovers is ready to write another chapter in its history, more vibrant and inclusive than ever.

FRED Film Radio, once again a proud festival media partner, will bring you exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes insights.

See you in Turin!

More information on the Lovers Film Festival here: https://www.loversff.com/en/