* We are an AWARD-WINNING Queer Film Festival in the San Francisco Bay Area *

* Our Film Festivals are hosted by Drag Queens or Queer Filmmakers *

Each Season, we schedule IN-PERSON film festivals in one or more of the following Bay Area locations: **San Jose, CA **Oakland, CA **Emeryville, CA

We are UNIQUE, INNOVATIVE, and FABULOUS. We COMBINE In-Person Film Screenings WITH Queer Performance Art (i.e. Drag). We provide joyful, engaging, and personal experiences for our guests, featured artists, and participating filmmakers.

+++OVERVIEW+++

(*) 'Fishnets and Film' is a festival that combines QUEER CINEMA with QUEER PERFORMANCE ART. They are always hosted by local Drag Performers or Queer Artists.

(*) 'Fishnets and Film' screens films at in-person events and during our [online] festivals.

(*) We seek independent LGBTQ+ projects (& projects with LGBTQ+ content) from all genres, from all countries.

(*) We always program time for audience feedback and Q&A panels with filmmakers who are present.

+++ In-Person Screenings +++

ALL Official Selections will be screened at least one time, in person, during each Season. All participating filmmakers will be notified, in advance, when their films will be screened in-person.

+++ Online Screenings +++

ALL 'Official Selections' will be screened during each password-protected [online] film festival, per Season. All filmmakers will be notified, in advance, when their films will be screened during our online film festivals.

All participating films will be made available online via password-protected pages. All participating filmmakers will receive FREE access to their respective online screenings.

++ 2025 [drafted] In-Person WINTER FESTIVAL Schedule ++
UPDATED: 12/15/24

February 8 ~ Emeryville, CA (AMC Bay Street)
February 20 ~ San Jose, CA (Splash Video Bar)
March 27 ~ Oakland, CA (Summer Bar & Lounge)

+++ 2025 [drafted] Online WINTER FESTIVAL* SCHEDULE +++

January 15 to January 31
February 10 to February 20
March 15 to March 30

*Once anyone receives a password to access the festival, they can stream films, at any time, from January 15 to March 30.

+++SUBMISSION/SCREENING/SELECTION DETAILS+++

Each Season (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter), we officially 'Select' up to 40 total films.

** Up to TEN FILMS will screen, in full, during each "Fishnets and Film" in-person event.
** ALL selected films will screen, in full, during the online film festival period.

All Official Selections will be announced on/before the Notification date.

A Select number of Official Selections, per Season, will be announced and promoted through our social media channels (i.e. IG, FB, e-blasts).

All Submissions will be judged by credited filmmakers and film lovers.

One (1) winner, and up to Four (4) finalists, will be awarded with:

Best Short Film*

Digital Awards are distributed in the following categories to films, based upon ratings:

Best Feature Film*
Best Original Story*
Best Director*
Best Performance*
Best Screenplay*

*Laurels will be made available to all Finalists & Winners.

All films are eligible, regardless if they have distribution or not.
All films are eligible even if they have been accepted to other film festivals.
All films must have been completed on/after January 1, 2021.
All films must include English subtitles (unless the spoken language is English).

Due to program constraints, Short Films must not be longer than 31 minutes in length.
Feature Films are defined as films longer than 40 minutes in length.

By submitting your film, you agree that:
1. Fishnets and Film can use parts of your film (including trailer/teaser/film poster) for promotional purpose.
2. Submission fees are non-refundable.
3. You own all the rights to the film and are legally responsible for your submission.
4. You cannot withdraw your submission after the official selection announcement of each round.

We accept .mp4 or .mov file. We do not accept DCP format at this time. Once Selected, we will contact you to acquire your film or request access through FilmFreeway.

Fishnets & Film, Inc. is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted for 'Fishnets and Film' and accepted for exhibition during our in-person events for promotional purposes throughout the current season.

The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that they are authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations.

The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless Fishnets & Film, Inc. from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening films entered.

Each submission is not guaranteed a Selection.

Any submitter provides consent to the following RELEASE: Fishnets and Film is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the festival for promotional purposes. The individual, representative, or corporation submitting a film hereby warrants that they are authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless Fishnets and Film from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including, but not limited to, attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and/or loss of/or damage to the submission.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • We had a great experience with Fishnets and Film Queer Film Festival. The communication was smooth and the festival organizer was always very welcoming. I loved receiving messages and invites from the festival - they always sent invites to their events. The festival held theme nights accompanied with film screenings. Overall it was a great experience and I'm really grateful for the opportunity you gave us!

    January 2025
  • A fabulous and well run festival! I loved being part of it and enjoyed seeing other interesting queer works from all over the world.

    January 2025
  • Guillermo E. Barahona C.

    A wonderful community experience! We’re honored to have had “Ocean Blue” join an outstanding slate of films and performances in a brilliant venue. A special thanks to Robby and the entire festival team for making this a fun experience and a breeze to coordinate with!

    January 2025
  • Great event and friendly, communicative staff!

    October 2024
  • Ryan Paige

    A brilliant event - very well organised, clear and thorough communication. Whilst we couldn't attend in person we were thrilled to be selected and honoured to have been awarded. Thank you!

    April 2024