Shoppers are turning out for queer, candy-coloured sci‑fi: Lesbian Space Princess lands in UK and Irish cinemas on 19 June, a laugh‑out‑loud animated romp that’s timed to Pride Month and built to delight fans of queer cinema, sharp comedy and indie animation.

Essential Takeaways

  • Release date: Hits UK and Irish cinemas on 19 June, timed for Pride Month and community screenings.
  • Tone and style: A bright, campy animated comedy with a low‑budget anime influence and a playful, candy‑coloured look.
  • Plot in one line: Introverted Princess Saira must find her royal labrys within 24 hours to rescue her ex‑girlfriend Kiki from the Straight White Maliens.
  • Cast and feel: Voice performances from Shabana Azeez, Bernie Van Tiel and a roster of queer and comedically gifted actors; feels fresh, loud and affectionate.
  • Why it matters: Celebrates queer women of colour on screen while mixing political bite with broad comedy and indie music flavours.

A Pride Month launch that’s as loud as the costumes

This isn’t a quiet art‑house drop , the film’s UK and Irish release on 19 June is an event, and it’s deliberately timed to sit in the heart of Pride season. The colour palette is vivid, the jokes land fast, and the whole thing feels designed to make audiences laugh together. According to Peccadillo Pictures, the filmmakers wanted a film that’s “gay AF” and they’ve leaned into that with relish. If you love community screenings and singalong energy, this will fit right in.

What the story does , and why it’s more than a gag

At surface level it’s a classic rescue caper: Princess Saira has 24 hours to recover a powerful family heirloom and save her ex. But the setup lets the film explore yearning, identity and the messiness of queer relationships in ways that feel warm rather than preachy. The creators have described it as a love letter to lesbians with an undercurrent of sharp political commentary , think big laughs with small, pointed barbs aimed at exclusionary straight‑male gatekeeping.

Looks and influences: anime, Adventure Time and indie music

The visual brief pulls from low‑budget anime and Western cartoons, an intentionally scrappy mix that reads as both nostalgic and modern. The filmmakers cite cartoons like Adventure Time and anime such as Revolutionary Girl Utena as aesthetic reference points, and you can see that in the playful framing and dramatic flourishes. There’s also an original acoustic music element that gives the sci‑fi material an indie, human texture , a neat twist that stops the film feeling like pure pastiche.

Cast and authenticity: queer voices front and centre

The voice cast is packed with performers known for comedy and queer representation, from Shabana Azeez to Kween Kong and members of Aunty Donna. The production team has made a point of casting LGBTQIA+ actors and people of colour to voice complex queer women of colour characters, which gives the film a grounded authenticity even amid the space opera silliness. That approach shows up on screen: the characters feel like lived‑in people, not just archetypes.

Awards, reviews and what critics are saying

The film’s festival run has already brought notice: it premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and won the Teddy Award, and it picked up the Audience Award for Best Australian Feature at the Sydney Film Festival. Critics have praised the humour and heart, and audience response suggests it’s the kind of film that builds a devoted crowd. If you like films that prioritise voice performances and character over glossy spectacle, this one delivers.

How to decide if it’s for you , and how to watch it well

If you like loud comedy, colourful visuals and queer‑first storytelling, this will be a treat. Bring friends who want an upbeat, communal cinema experience; pick a screening with Q&A or a Pride event if you can; and expect a neo‑camp soundtrack and energetic voice acting rather than blockbuster VFX. For families, note the mature queer themes and innuendo , it’s aimed at adults and older teens rather than small children.

It’s a small cinematic rebellion wrapped in cotton‑candy colours , show up, cheer, and let it be part of your Pride.

Source Reference Map

Story idea inspired by: [1]

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