Official Selection - Out of Competition
Late Night Bizarre by Ciné Utopia

Lesbian Space Princess

Emma HOUGH HOBBS | Leela VARGHESE
Animation LGBTQIA+ Female Director 2025 86 min Australia
Book a ticket

Synopsis

A wildly funny coming-of-age adventure set in the gay-laxy

When sheltered Saira, Princess of Clitopolis, is dumped by her bounty-hunter girlfriend Kiki for being too needy, heartbreak is swiftly eclipsed by catastrophe: Kiki is abducted by the militant Straight White Maliens. Racing against the clock, Saira steals a “Problematic Ship” and blasts off on a chaotic rescue mission through deep space, crossing paths with runaway gay-pop idols and flamboyant drag warriors as she learns to confront her own worst enemy: herself.

Hough Hobbs and Varghese deliver a laugh-out-loud intergalactic romp where romantic collapse triggers cosmic consequences. Playful, irreverent, and unapologetically queer, this animated sci-fi comedy pairs sharply observed social satire and gleeful absurdity with a gentle reminder of self-love.

Cast/Avec

  • Shabana AZEEZ
  • Bernie VAN TIEL
  • Gemma CHUA-TRAN

Screenplay

  • Emma HOUGH HOBBS
  • Leela VARGHESE

Cinematographer

  • Claire Bishop

Sound

  • Thalia Colettis
  • Thom Kellar

Music

  • Emma Hough Hobbs

Production

  • Tom PHILLIPS

Age classification

  • 16+

Screenings

Thursday 12 March 2026 20:45
Lieux : Ciné Utopia
Audio : English
Subtitles : French
Screening : 1st Screening

Critics

“Maybe it’s too easy for hearts to be mended by a 24-hour magical journey. But as a fizzy, welcoming utopia where a lesbian can save the day, it’s a balm, an escape–and a much-needed laugh.”
Cassie Tongue Guardian 09/09/2025

Emma HOUGH HOBBS

Emma HOUGH HOBBS
Emma HOUGH HOBBS

Emma Hough Hobbs is an artist from Adelaide, Australia, known for their work as a filmmaker, animator, and production designer. Lesbian Space Princess (2025), co-directed with Leela Varghese, is their first feature film.

Filmography

  • Lesbian Space Princess 2025
  • On Film (short) 2022
See more films

Leela VARGHESE

Leela VARGHESE
Leela VARGHESE

Leela Varghese is a Lebanese-Indian writer and director from Queensland, Australia with an interest in queer storytelling. Her short film I’m the Most Racist Person I Know (2025) premiered at SXSW Austin 2025 where it won the Special Jury Award. Lesbian Space Princess (2025), co-directed with Emma Hough Hobbs, is their first feature film.

Filmography

  • Lesbian Space Princess 2025
  • I’m the Most Racist Person I Know (short) 2025
  • Furbulous (short) 2022
See more films

More movies