Queer East is a cross-disciplinary festival that showcases boundary-pushing LGBTQ+ cinema, live arts, and moving image work from East and Southeast Asia and its diaspora communities. Its fifth edition runs from 17 to 28 April in venues across London, exploring notions of what it means to be queer and Asian today.

The ICA is delighted to partner with the Queer East Festival for the very first time presenting three screenings including the UK Premiere of Sara.

Fri 19 Apr, 6.30pm
A Princess' One-Sided Love + introduction
The Joseon era: after meeting a handsome young scholar, the stubbornly romantic princess Suk-yeong contrives to leave the palace grounds in which she has been confined her whole life. This lively costume drama by South Korea’s third-ever female director is a testament to role-play in all its myriad forms.



Sat 20 Apr, 6pm
The River + introduction
In director Tsai Ming-Liang's shockingly subversive family drama, the young Hsiao-Kang is suddenly struck by debilitating neck pain. His concerned parents attempt various ways of alleviating his discomfort, but the son’s misery causes the troubled family unit to further disintegrate. This uncomfortable work confirmed the director’s place as a uniquely rebellious voice in queer cinema.



Tue 23 Apr, 6.30pm + Sat 4 May, 6.45pm
UK PREMIERE Sara + Q&A
Sara, a trans woman in her mid-thirties, returns to her village in rural Indonesia to attend her father’s funeral. Arriving back home, she discovers that her severely traumatized mother has lost all memory of her. This quietly affecting family drama is centred on a stunning performance from trans actress Asha Smara Darra.