Established in 2001, the Beijing Queer Film Festival is the first grassroots film festival in China focusing on independent queer film screenings and cultural exchange activities. Beijing Queer aims to expand public discussions on sexuality and gender by giving a platform to diverse LGBTQ+ voices from China and beyond. Despite a complicated social environment, we have thrived year after year, thanks to the help and solidarity of our community and supporters.

Awards & Prizes

Cathayplay Audiences Favorite Short Film in Chinese Language Award with cash award USD 500

Rules & Terms

Eligibility:

1. All LGBTQIA-themed films are eligible! We accept all lengths as well as all genres: narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, hybrid, etc.

2. All foreign language films must have been produced after Jan 1, 2025. We will consider exceptions for films that have not yet been screened in China.

3. Only films that haven’t been screened at the Beijing Queer Film Festival will be selected.

4. The submission deadline is July 20, 2026.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Filled-out entry form for 2026 Beijing Queer Film Festival;

2. High-quality film poster, director headshot, at least 3 film stills;

3. Online screener link+password (via FilmFreeway, Vimeo, or other accessible platforms)*

4. There is a $5 (USD) submission fee for each submitted film. We believe in charging the same fee for all films, regardless of duration and genre. These fees support our operating costs, as a volunteer-run festival.**

We will waive submission fees for:

Filmmakers based in Ukraine and Filmmakers/films from countries where LGBTQ expressions and relationships are punished by imprisonment or worse. To request a waiver, please send an explanatory note to contact@bjqff.com
20 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • SATOKO NAGAMURA

    It was an amazing film festival!
    Thank you so much for screening my film #TwoMoms to a full house. The venue where it was shown was also wonderful. I truly appreciated the new connections, conversations, and the passionate discussions we were able to share — it was a very meaningful experience for me.

    As a fellow queer person from Asia, I left with a strong feeling of solidarity and the desire to continue connecting with all of you.

    Thank you again.

    December 2025
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  • Bingxing Cen

    I'm way too delighted that my film "The Parisian in Bali Village" has been selected for the film festival and has won the second place in the Audience Choice Award of Chinese short film section. BQFF gave me a truly unforgettable experience. It offered a lot of strength, much like its main visual of this year—a lush flower blooming in an inconspicuous corner. This is our little corner of the world. I hope all the best for you.
    非常高兴我的短片《巴黎人在八里庄》入围影展，并且获得观众选择奖第二名。BQFF很难忘，给人很多力量，就像今年的主视觉一样，是不起眼的角落里枝繁叶茂的花朵。希望这份力量越来越坚固。
    再会，my pal!

    December 2024
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  • Festival Formula

    We were delighted to have our client 7 FOIS screen in 2024. Knowing the attention to detail they put into their programming as well as Q&As (even for those who couldn't attend) it's great to know we can return with more films in the future.

    November 2024
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  • FYTA Films

    Beijing Queer has been one of the best festivals our film got invited to. The festival apart from including our film and welcoming us with amazing hospitality, had a very unique lineup, with many political and experimental films. Definitely recommend

    November 2024
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  • Tathagata Ghosh

    A fantastic festival! The love for cinema will touch anyone's heart. Great honor to showcase my film "If"!

    November 2024
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