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