The BIFF x Beloit College Queer Shorts Film Festival is a student-curated mini festival presented in partnership with the Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF). The program centers LGBTQIA+ voices through short films that celebrate queer identity, community, creativity, and resilience.

While queer storytelling is the primary focus, selected films may also explore social-impact themes that shape LGBTQIA+ lives today, including mental health, healthcare access, immigration, racial justice, disability, political engagement, climate justice, and community advocacy.

All films are reviewed and programmed by Beloit College students with mentorship from BIFF staff, creating a festival experience grounded in emerging perspectives and meaningful dialogue.

The screening event will take place Saturday, March 21, 2026, on the Beloit College campus

Awards may include:
• Best Queer Short aka Best of the Fest
• Best Narrative Queer Short
• Best Documentary Queer Short
• Best Animation/Experimental Queer Short
• Best Student Filmmaker Queer Short

Award categories may vary based on submissions received.

The selection committee requires that all entries/screeners be submitted as a Secure Online Screener. Please fill out your entry form as completely as possible. Should your film be accepted, we will use that entered data to put together our program book, build your website page, and reach out to you, or your representatives, with important festival details.

There is no limit to the amount of entries you may submit. Select the category that seems most appropriate.

A short synopsis of 2 to 4 lines is required for Short categories. You are required to submit this with the entry. The synopsis will be used for the selection committee, the program book and website, if accepted.

Each submission should also include at least one still production photo or slide, a press kit, and bio and photo of the director.

The festival cannot be responsible for damage to, or loss of, material submitted. Additionally, the festival is held harmless from damage to or loss of print en route to the festival.

The BIFF x Beloit College Queer Shorts Film Festival does not pay screening or licensing fees for films submitted to the festival. If you submit to the BBIFF x Beloit College Queer Shorts Film Festival, you automatically acknowledge this term. The festival reserves the right to screen submitted films to pre-screening committees. The festival will have the option to screen encore showings for up to three years after the closing date of the festival.

ELIGIBILITY

Works in progress, and industrial/instructional works are not eligible. All entries must be submitted no later than February 27, 2026. The completed entry form, entry fee for each submission, synopsis, resume and photo must be included. If you cannot meet the eligibility requirement, you may apply but will not be considered for awards.

ACCEPTANCES

All films submitted must be available for festival presentation in .mp4 format. Please be aware that if you have not submitted a photo or synopsis it will not be included in the program book or web site. Any corrections to the original submission material must be received in writing by March 13, 2026. Changes will not be made after this date.

The Beloit International Film Festival reserves the right to use clips from accepted entries (up to 3 minutes in length) for publicity purposes. The festival reserves the right to show the submission for promotion and fundraising events up to three years past the date of the festival.

The choices for number of screenings, screening dates and screening venues is at the sole discretion of the festival.

RELEASE

I acknowledge that, if accepted to participate, I will agree to comply with the 2026 BIFF x Beloit College Queer Shorts Film Festival Rules & Terms as included with this application, and agree to be bound by and comply with all pertinent documents. I understand that the BIFF x Beloit College Queer Shorts Film Festival administrative staff is responsible for making final decisions with regard to festival operations, and I agree to abide by its decisions. I agree to provide the festival an .mp4 file(s) of my film(s) upon acceptance, and I release the festival committee and any festival representative from any responsibility for the theft, damage or loss of the print enroute to the festival or otherwise during the course of the festival’s possession of the film.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jesse Kogita

    A beautifully run festival that celebrates diverse voices in filmmaking. This festival (and the folks who run it) have a lot of heart. Bravo!

    March 2026
  • I had a great time and enjoyed every bit of this festival..

    April 2025
  • JOEY MEDINA

    What an amazing film festival. There is so much heart and love that was put into it. Their communication was excellent and warmth was greatly appreciated. I also I’m humbly honored to have been the first person ever to be awarded their Advocacy in Action Award for our film ARTHUR AVE. This truly means the world to me. 🙏🏽

    April 2025
  • Ernie Zahn

    It was a genuine pleasure to be included in the Queer Shorts Film Festival at Beloit. The festival itself is an extension of BIFF so there's opportunity to connect with other film, filmmakers, and audiences from all walks of life. When I think of what really matters as a Queer filmmaker, it's sharing my art with Queer communities. Beloit College had created a beautiful community space, which they are proud of and rightfully so. An absolute must for any filmmaker to consider submitting to.

    April 2025