Animated Sci-Fi Comedy “Lesbian Space Princess” Blasts Queer Representation Into the Stratosphere

“Lesbian Space Princess” is not just another animated film—it’s a bold, candy-colored adventure that places queer joy and diversity at the heart of its interstellar narrative. Co-written and co-directed by South Australian creatives Leela Varghese and Emma Hough Hobbs, the feature premiered to packed audiences at the 75th Berlinale, where it captured the prestigious Teddy Award, recognized globally as a benchmark for queer cinema. The movie subsequently placed second in the Panorama Audience Award for Fiction Film, signaling its resonance with both critics and the wider LGBTQIA+ community .

The film follows introverted Princess Saira, voiced by Shabana Azeez, who is the daughter of the flamboyant lesbian queens of Planet Clitopolis. Saira’s life is upended when her bounty-hunter ex-girlfriend, Kiki, is abducted by the so-called “Straight White Maliens”—a group of future incels banished to the universe’s outskirts . The Maliens demand a ransom: Saira’s royal labrys, a powerful symbol and weapon of lesbian heritage. There’s just one problem—Saira doesn’t have it.

With only 24 hours to save Kiki, Saira embarks on a journey of self-discovery, encountering a mischievous spaceship, forging a new friendship with gay-pop runaway Willow, and confronting her own insecurities. The result is a vibrant, irreverent quest celebrating queer love, friendship, and the courage to claim one’s identity .

One of the defining aspects of “Lesbian Space Princess” is its commitment to authentic representation. Not only do the characters reflect a spectrum of LGBTQIA+ identities—including lesbians of color—but the creative team itself is composed of queer and culturally diverse talent. The directors, both openly queer women, have described the film as a labor of love intended to fill the void of LGBTQ+-centered animation and to offer young audiences the kind of representation they rarely see in mainstream media .

The cast is equally remarkable, featuring Shabana Azeez, Gemma Chua-Tran, and drag superstar Kween Kong, each bringing depth and humor to their roles. According to the filmmakers, the casting process prioritized inclusion and authenticity, ensuring that marginalized voices were not just represented but actively centered throughout the project .

Critical reception has highlighted the film’s irreverent humor, bold visuals, and willingness to playfully subvert genre expectations. As one reviewer from The Queer Review noted, “In space no one can hear you howl with laughter!” The narrative lampoons sci-fi conventions—such as the archetype of the damsel in distress, here played by a tough ex-girlfriend—and interweaves musical numbers, slapstick, and sharp social commentary. The result is a film that manages to be both deeply personal and universally relatable, inviting all viewers to celebrate queer resilience and joy .

Since its debut, “Lesbian Space Princess” has toured international festivals, reaching audiences in Belgium, the Czech Republic, and beyond . Its official wide release is scheduled for September 11, 2025, via HOYTS Cinemas in Australia, with additional global distribution expected in the months following .

The film’s emergence signals a new era for queer animation, challenging Hollywood gatekeeping and opening doors for more inclusive storytelling. As the creative team continues to promote the film, their message is clear: queer stories belong everywhere—even in the furthest reaches of space.