Join the Crew
Get the best resources for producers delivered to your mailbox
Get the best resources for producers delivered to your mailbox
The Wrapbook Team consists of individuals who are thrilled about building modern software tools for creators. We’re a team of compassionate and curious people dedicated to solving complex problems with sophisticated solutions. You can find us across the U.S. and Canada.
At Wrapbook, we pride ourselves on providing outstanding free resources to producers and their crews, but this post is for informational purposes only as of the date above. The content on our website is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for legal, accounting, or tax advice. You should consult with your own legal, accounting, or tax advisors to determine how this general information may apply to your specific circumstances.
Are you a queer filmmaker ready to showcase your latest project?
Queer film festivals have long played a vital role in elevating LGBTQIA+ stories, connecting filmmakers with engaged audiences, and creating space for community-driven storytelling. From globally recognized institutions to emerging regional showcases, these festivals champion bold, authentic voices across genres and formats.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of standout queer film festivals to help you identify the right platform for your work. Many now offer both in-person and virtual screening options, making it easier than ever to participate, build momentum, and connect with audiences—no matter where you’re based.
Dates: May 13, 15, 16, and 17, 2026
North Carolina’s Reel Out Charlotte film festival is hosted by LGBTQ tax-exempt organization Charlotte Pride.
Deadline entry date and fees: 2027 dates and fees TBD.
Dates: May 21–27, 2026
The Puerto Rico Queer Filmfest has been screening local and international films since 2009. The festival spotlights both local and international queer talent.
Deadline entry dates and fees: 2027 deadlines and fees TBD.
Dates: June 12–20, 2026
Presented by Out Film CT, the Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival is the longest-running film festival in the state—not to mention one of the longest running queer film festivals in the country.
Now entering its 39th year, the fest offers an inclusive platform for diverse queer narratives and regularly spotlights underrepresented filmmakers.
Deadline entry date: 2027 submissions are expected to open in July 2026.
Deadline entry fee: $20 (Earlybird), $25 (Standard). Discounts available for FilmFreeway Gold Members and short film submissions.
Dates: June 12–20, 2026
In addition to its annual film festival, QFest St. Louis offers year-round events including educational programming. Its donation-funded “Gay-It-Forward” program allows shorts screenings to be free for all to attend.
Deadline entry date and fee: 2027 deadlines and fees TBD.
Dates: June 17–27, 2026
No roundup of LGBTQ film festivals would be complete without Frameline—the longest-running queer film festival in the world.
Frameline has championed LGBTQIA+ cinema since 1977 and remains the only BAFTA-qualifying queer film festival on this list. They also operate a nonprofit distribution program dedicated to LGBTQIA+ films.
Deadline entry date: 2027 submissions are expected to open in late October 2026.
Deadline entry fee: $35 (Earlybird), $50 (Regular), $70 (Late) and $85 (Extended). Discounts available for FilmFreeway Gold Members and students.
Dates: July 10–12, 2026
Celebrating its 37th year, the Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival stands out among LGBTQ film festivals for its tropical setting. The festival emphasizes community, cultural celebration, and inclusivity, with a mix of local and international programming.
Deadline entry date: 2027 submissions are expected to open in February 2027.
Deadline entry fee: $30 (Earlybird), $50 (Regular), $75 (Late). Discounts available for short film and episodic submissions. If you are a Hawaii-based filmmaker, a fee waiver may be available. Contact the festival for details.
Dates: August 13–20, 2026
Durham, North Carolina hosts the OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival. This LGBTQ film festival has been screening movies since 1995 and features highly accessible entry fees, especially when compared to many other queer film festivals.
Deadline entry date: May 15, 2026 (Shorts), June 5, 2026 (Features).
Deadline entry fee: $1 (Earlybird), $10 (Shorts), $20 (Features). Discounts available for FilmFreeway Gold Members.
Dates: August 20–23, 2026
One of the only LGBTQ film festivals in San Diego, Filmout fills theaters with over 2,000 attendees across a packed three-day program. Screenings include international, documentary, short films, and feature films.
Deadline entry date: 2027 submissions are expected to open in February 2027.
Deadline entry fee: $30. Discounts available for FilmFreeway Gold Members, students, and short film submissions.
Dates: September 17–27, 2026
Now entering its 44th year, Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival, is one of the longest-running queer film festivals in the world.
Held across multiple Chicago venues, Reeling screens 75–100 films annually and draws both local audiences and regional attention across the Midwest.
Deadline entry date: May 28, 2026 (Late).
Deadline entry fee: $30 (Earlybird), $40 (Regular), $45 (Late). Discounts available for FilmFreeway Gold Members and students.
Dates: September 24–27, 2026
The LA Queer Film Festival is part of the LA Film Festivals family that includes the LA Comedy Film Festival, the LA Women in Film Festival, and many more. Acceptance into the festival includes invitations to networking events, free screening passes, and awards consideration.
Deadline entry date: May 15, 2026 (Late), June 5, 2026 (Fashionably Late), June 26, 2026 (Final), July 17, 2026 (11th Hour), August 7, 2026 (Last Chance).
Deadline entry fees: $70 (Late and Fashionably Late), $80 (Final), $90 (11th Hour and Last Chance).
Dates: September 24–October 4, 2026
The Atlanta-based Out On Film is one of the few Oscar-qualifying LGTBQ film festivals in the world.
The short film that wins the Jury Award for Best Drama Shorts is eligible for consideration for the following year's Academy Awards. They’re also respected for their award-winning visiting filmmaker series.
Deadline entry date: May 22, 2026 (Regular), June 26, 2026 (Late).
Deadline entry fee: $35 (Early), $45 (Regular). $55 (Late). Discounts available for FilmFreeway Gold Members, students, and some submission types.
Dates: October 8–18, 2026
Head to Western New York for ImageOut: The Rochester LGBTQ+ Film Festival. In addition to presenting queer film festivals each fall for the past 34 years, ImageOut produces special events like art exhibitions, panel discussions, and more.
Deadline entry date: July 2, 2026 (Earlybird), August 13, 2026 (Regular), September 3, 2026 (Late).
Deadline entry fee: $15 (Earlybird), $30 (Regular), $60 (Late). Discounts available for FilmFreeway Gold Members, students, and short film submissions.
Dates: October 8–11, 2026
Part of the vibrant tradition of queer film festivals across the country, the Out Here Dayton Film Fest (formerly known as the Dayton LGBT Film Festival) has been sharing bold, authentic storytelling with Ohio audiences for over two decades.
Deadline entry date and fee: 2026 dates and fees TBD.
Dates: October 15–27, 2026
New York City’s NewFest presents LGBTQIA+ programming year-round and its annual film festival is one of the most respected LGBTQ film festivals in the country. It hosted the world theatrical premiere of Paris Is Burning and the New York premieres of many other queer cinema treasures.
Deadline entry date: June 11, 2026 (Extended), June 30, 2026 (Late).
Deadline entry fee: $35 (Earlybird), $50 (Regular), $75 (Late), $100 (Extended). Discounts available for FilmFreeway Gold Members and some submission types.
Dates: TBD (likely mid-October 2026)
Austin’s PRISM Film Festival, presented by aGLIFF (All Genders, Lifestyles, and Identities Film Festival), has been a trailblazer for queer film festivals in Texas since 1987.
Predating even SXSW and the Austin Film Festival, PRISM champions bold, boundary-pushing cinema with a focus on inclusivity and artistic innovation.
Deadline entry date: 2026 dates TBD.
Deadline entry fee: $25 (Earlybird), $30 (Regular), $35 (Late), $45 (Extended). Discounts available for FilmFreeway Gold Members and some submission types.
Dates: October 23–25, 2026
Dedicated exclusively to queer documentaries, QDoc Film Festival is one of the only U.S. events of its kind. Featuring powerful nonfiction films that span activism, art, and personal stories, QDoc continues to expand the definition of what LGBTQ film festivals can showcase.
Deadline entry date and fee: QDoc is a curated festival and does not have open submissions. However, filmmakers are welcome to email information about their film to info@qdocfilmfest.org.
Dates: November 6–8, 2026
Hosted in downtown Salt Lake City, the Utah Queer Film Festival (formerly known as Damn These Heels) offers a vibrant platform for queer voices in a region where LGBTQIA+ stories are often underrepresented. In addition to film screenings, the Festival offers community events like banned book swaps, a “defending drag” discussion, and workshops with visiting artists.
Deadline entry date: May 31, 2026 (Late), July 15, 2026 (Submissions Close).
Deadline entry fee: $25 (Feature), $15 (Short). Discounts available for FilmFreeway Gold Members.
Dates: November 12–22, 2026
The San Francisco Transgender Film Festival holds the distinction of being both the first official transgender film festival in North America and the longest-running transgender film festival in the world. Their mission is to “promote the visibility of transgender and gender variant people and challenge the mainstream media’s negative stereotypes of our communities.”
For their 2026 run, the festival is prioritizing short films that run 20 minutes or less, though they do accept all screening lengths.
Deadline entry date: June 4, 2026 (Regular), June 25, 2026 (Late).
Deadline entry fee: $15 (Regular), $20 (Late).
Dates: 2027 dates TBD.
Founded in 1984 by film programmer George Mansour, Wicked Queer is one of the longest running queer film festivals in the world.
Deadline entry date and fee: 2027 deadlines and fees TBD.
Dates: 2027 Dates TBD.
Boston-based Wicked Queer:Docs festival is the younger sister of Wicked Queer. It was created in 2022 to provide a platform in the Northeast to exclusively celebrate queer documentary filmmaking in both short and feature form.
Deadline entry date and fees: 2027 deadlines and fees TBD.
This list represents some of the best LGBTQ film festivals in the world. Don’t keep organizers and audiences waiting—submit your project now.
For more ideas on where to submit your work, check out our guide to some of the best BIPOC film festivals to bookmark. And when you’re ready to submit your project, make sure to check out our guide to nailing your film festival submissions!
