CinePride Film Festival is a bold and vibrant celebration of LGBTQIA+ storytelling, showcasing films that challenge, inspire, and redefine queer cinema. As one of the premier LGBTQIA+ film festivals, CinePride is more than just a screening event—it’s a platform for visibility, dialogue, and a community-driven movement that uplifts diverse voices and committed to fostering the next generation of storytellers.

What makes CinePride special? We curate an electrifying lineup of groundbreaking films, from powerful narratives to thought-provoking documentaries and innovative shorts. The festival also features exclusive industry panels, filmmaker Q&As, networking events, and the prestigious CinePride Awards. Filmmakers get the opportunity to connect with influential figures in entertainment, gain international exposure, and be part of a festival that values authenticity, excellence, and impact.

Whether you’re an emerging artist or an established director or producer, CinePride is the place to showcase your work, spark conversations, and celebrate the power of queer storytelling. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable experience—where cinema meets pride, and every story matters.

Awards & Prizes

1. Best Narrative Feature
Celebrates full-length films that deliver bold, authentic LGBTQ+ stories through innovative scripted storytelling and dynamic characters
2. Best Narrative Short
Honors short-form narratives that capture impactful LGBTQ+ experiences and emotions in a concise, memorable format.
3. Best Documentary Feature
Recognizes in-depth documentaries that explore real-life LGBTQ+ issues, histories, and cultural experiences with sensitivity and insight.
4. Best Documentary Short
Acknowledges concise documentaries that provide powerful, thought-provoking glimpses into authentic LGBTQ+ stories.
5. Best Web Series or TV Pilot
Rewards innovative episodic content designed for digital or broadcast platforms that push creative boundaries and feature compelling LGBTQ+ narratives.
6. Best Micro-Content
Celebrates bite-sized visual storytelling that makes a big impact by highlighting vibrant LGBTQ+ themes, ideal for social media engagement.
7. Best Lead Performance
Recognizes an outstanding lead actor or actress whose transformative performance powerfully embodies their LGBTQ+ character.
8. Best Supporting Performance
Honors a standout supporting performer whose nuanced portrayal enriches the narrative and resonates with audiences.
9. Best Director
Recognizes visionary leadership and creative excellence in guiding projects that push the boundaries of LGBTQ+ storytelling.
10. Best Screenplay
Honors the most original and impactful script that brings dynamic LGBTQ+ characters and narratives to life.
11. Best Cinematography
Celebrates outstanding visual storytelling that uses camera work and lighting to enhance the mood and depth of LGBTQ+ narratives.
12. Best Editing
Acknowledges the seamless crafting of a film’s narrative through editing, ensuring pacing and emotional impact in LGBTQ+ stories.
13. Audience Choice Award
Voted on by attendees, this award celebrates the film that resonated most deeply with viewers, showcasing a favorite LGBTQ+ narrative or performance.
14. Emerging Filmmaker Award
Recognizes a standout new talent whose innovative approach and fresh perspective are redefining LGBTQ+ cinema.
15. Trailblazer Award
Celebrates a creator or performer who has made a significant, groundbreaking impact on LGBTQ+ media, inspiring change and inclusivity.
16. Brian Anderson Memorial Award
Honors the best film that exhibits the most impactful and representative voice of the LGBTQ+ community, celebrating enduring influence and cultural relevance.
17. Social Impact Award
Recognizes content that drives social awareness, advocacy, and positive change within LGBTQ+ communities through powerful storytelling.

Rules & Terms

CinePride Film Festival Terms and Conditions

1. Introduction
By submitting a film or any related material (“Submission”) to the CinePride Film Festival (“Festival”), you (“Participant” or “You”) agree to comply with these Terms and Conditions. These terms govern your participation, the selection process, and any awards or recognitions granted by the Festival. Participation constitutes your unconditional agreement to abide by these rules.

2. Eligibility and Submissions
• Eligibility: The Festival is open to filmmakers who meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the official submission guidelines. Participants must represent original work unless explicitly stated otherwise.
• Submission Deadline: All Submissions must be received by the stated deadline. Late entries will not be considered.
• Entry Fee: If applicable, the entry fee must be paid in full at the time of submission. Non-payment may result in disqualification.

3. Film Requirements and Format
• Original Work: All Submissions must be the original work of the Participant(s) and not infringe on any third-party rights.
• Format: Films must adhere to the technical specifications (e.g., file format, resolution, runtime) provided in the Festival submission guidelines.
• Content: The Festival reserves the right to disqualify any film that contains content deemed offensive, discriminatory, or otherwise in violation of the Festival’s values.

4. Entry Rights and Intellectual Property
• Ownership: Participants retain all copyright and ownership rights in their submitted films.
• License Grant: By submitting your film, you grant CinePride a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to exhibit, distribute, promote, and otherwise use your film in connection with the Festival, including for promotional purposes.
• Third-Party Materials: Any third-party content included in the Submission must be appropriately licensed. Participants are solely responsible for securing all necessary permissions.

5. Selection Process and Awards
• Judging: Films will be judged by a panel selected by CinePride. The decisions of the judges are final and not subject to appeal.
• Awards: Winners of the Festival awards will be announced at the Festival event. Award decisions are made at the sole discretion of the Festival organizers.
• Notification: All Participants whose films are selected for screening or award consideration will be notified by the Festival in a timely manner.

6. Code of Conduct
• Behavior: Participants, attendees, and all associated individuals are expected to behave professionally and respectfully. Harassment, discrimination, or any conduct that disrupts the event may result in disqualification or removal from the Festival premises.
• Compliance: Participants agree to adhere to all applicable laws and Festival policies during their participation.

7. Privacy and Data Protection
• Data Collection: The Festival may collect personal data provided by Participants during the submission and registration process. This data will be used solely for the purposes of administering the Festival.
• Data Sharing: CinePride will not share personal data with third parties without consent, except as required by law or as necessary to organize and promote the Festival.

8. Limitation of Liability and Indemnification
• Limitation: CinePride, its organizers, and sponsors are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or in connection with the participation in the Festival.
• Indemnification: Participants agree to indemnify and hold harmless CinePride and its affiliates from any claims, losses, or damages arising from a breach of these Terms and Conditions or the use of their Submission.

9. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which the Festival is held. Any disputes arising from these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in that region.

10. Changes to Terms and Conditions
CinePride reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Any changes will be communicated via the official Festival website and will apply to all Submissions received after the date of the change.

11. Contact Information
For any questions or concerns regarding these Terms and Conditions or your participation in the Festival, please contact:
Cecilio Asuncion
CinePride Film Festival
casuncion@cinepride.org
7 Reviews
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  • Mark A. Dahl

    I’ve never seen so much diverse representation at a gay film fest. The trans inclusion was incredible, and the international films were amazing. Such a welcoming, inspiring festival — I can’t recommend CinePride enough!

    November 2025
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  • Anthony Hand

    I was thrilled that my animated feature, "Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-shero," was selected as the opening night film at the inaugural CinePride Film Festival in Los Angeles.

    For a first-year event, CinePride felt polished and professional from start to finish. Communication with filmmakers was excellent, the volunteers were friendly and attentive, and the parties and filmmaker brunch created an amazing sense of community. I especially appreciated how many filmmakers supported one another by attending each other’s screenings, which made the festival feel truly collaborative.

    The programming was outstanding, with a strong emphasis on underrepresented voices, including trans and non-binary stories as well as films from the Philippines and India, for example. The venue, Landmark Theatres on Sunset Blvd., was beautiful, and its central location made it easy for LA industry folks to attend.

    CinePride is a vibrant, inclusive festival that I would highly recommend to LGBTQ+ filmmakers looking to showcase their work in Los Angeles.

    September 2025
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  • A Life Inside Me

    WOW—what a dedicated team. We couldn’t attend CinePride in person, but we felt fully supported every step of the way. Cece (Cecilio Asuncion) welcomed us so warmly and set the tone with clear hospitality info. Miguel Santos kept communications precise and thoughtful—from acceptance to premiere status and schedule details. Blake Jesse made assets easy, answering questions fast and keeping everything organized. And Patricia De Leon was a lifesaver during a last-minute DCP hiccup—clear notes, calm coordination on WhatsApp, and flexible backup planning so our screening could shine.

    To the entire CinePride family—programmers, volunteers, projectionists, PR/press, venue staff, partners, jurors, and every audience member—thank you; if I missed a name, please know this gratitude includes you.

    I truly wish we were there to celebrate with you. Wishing the CinePride Film Festival a long, loud future—keep raising your inner voice until it cuts through the noise.

    In solidarity,
    Mahi Kumar
    Producer — A Life Inside Me

    September 2025
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  • Kim Anno

    This festival is fantastic in all ways, professionalism, communication, vision, and opening and ending events. Ceci is brillant.

    September 2025
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  • Nate Gualtieri

    I am incredibly impressed by the work that Cecelio, Miguel, and the CinePride team have done to make this such a robust festival even in its first year. Our short film QUEERBAIT had its world premiere at CinePride. We had the honor of opening the entire festival with our film and ended up winning Best Narrative Short. Throughout the team was communicative and kind, and always made sure we had what we needed. They were able to schedule around travel I had planned for that same weekend. Unfortunately I wasn't able to participate in the filmmaker events they had because of my travel plans, but they looked absolutely incredible and I was so so sorry to miss them. This festival filled a much needed gap in the LA queer community, but also did an amazing job programming globally. Can't thank them enough for this amazing experience and we will be back!

    September 2025
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