Founded in 2014 as part of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Appalachian Arts Academy, the Appalachian Queer Film Festival has earned national attention from outlets such as Huffington Post and IndieWire. AQFF exists to create a space rooted in acceptance, positivity, and queer joy—for filmmakers, audiences, cinephiles, and proud weirdos of all kinds.

One film from each category will be awarded a certificate and a handmade glass trophy created by a queer-owned WV glass studio (new in 2026!). Other awards/prizes may be added as we get closer.

ELLIGIBILITY
The Appalachian Queer Film Festival welcomes films of any length with LGBTQIA+ themes, writers, producers, or directors. We do reserve the right to reject films that do not appear to meet this requirement, though will never do so without first requesting further details from the filmmakers.

1. How to Send It
Please submit your screener as an embedded video or a downloadable link. If it’s password-protected, don’t leave us guessing—include the password.
2. Names Matter
Double-check spelling, credits, and contact info before submitting. We’ll do our best to make you look great, but we can’t guarantee fixes to typos once things go live.
3. Spreading the Love
By submitting, you give AQFF permission to use your film’s title, poster, stills, clips, and general vibes for promotion. We promise to be respectful and hype you up appropriately.
4. Fresh-ish Work Only
Films must have been completed within the last two (2) years to be eligible.
5. About Money
Selection does not include screening fees or other compensation—but it does include a whole lot of love, community, and queer Appalachian pride.
6. If You’re Selected
We’ll ask for your film as a high-quality digital file. Basically: send us the best version you’ve got.
7. You Have the Power
By submitting, you confirm you have the authority to do so. If others need to sign off, you’ve already got their blessing.
8. Legal Stuff (Sorry)
You guarantee that your film doesn’t step on anyone’s copyrights, trademarks, or other rights. All music, images, footage, and talent releases are your responsibility. AQFF can’t take the fall for copyright chaos.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ezra Rose

    Appalachian Queer Film Festival is doing truly important work in this world. They were welcoming, caring, thoughtful, and well-organized. Thank you for having us!!!

    October 2025
  • Dana M Osburn

    This is a SPECIAL festival, my dudes. The Toilet Team were so honored to have our short world premiere with such a fabulous group of films and filmmakers. I feel like I made friends for life at this fest, and can't WAIT to go next year. Submit your gay little movie ASAP.

    October 2025
  • Kristal Sotomayor

    Great communication and really valued filmmakers! Hope to attend in the future!

    October 2025
  • Queer Appalachian filmmakers: submit to this film festival! I've been to a lot of fests over the years, but this ranks as one of my very favorite experiences. I am so proud to have our film Emerald City be a part of it and to be able to share the film with an audience from the region where I grew up. This was one of the best audiences I've encountered: they really 'got' our film (and the other films), asked great questions in the Q&A, and were so supportive. I saw some beautiful animation, live action drama, documentary, and experimental films, and how cool is it that there's a fest dedicated to supporting queer Appalachian film and bringing it to rural areas. The film fests' co-directors J and Jon are amazing. I've never felt so comfortable at a fest before.

    October 2024
  • T Dumas

    We had a lovely time at AQFF! The festival was well organized and the programming was fantastic. We feel honored to have been part of a rural queer film festival - which is so rare and so important. If you're thinking about submitting your film to this festival please don't hesitate!

    October 2024
    Response from festival:

    Thank you, T! We were so grateful to have your film and presence at the festival. We hope to see you again in the future!