The Hong Kong Lesbian & Gay Film Festival (HKLGFF) is Asia’s longest-running LGBTQ+ film festival. HKLGFF proudly celebrates its 37th year of championing innovative, bold stories and new voices.

As a registered non-profit organization, we are committed to promoting equal opportunities and challenging discrimination against sexual minority communities in Hong Kong through the power of cinema. Each year, we present a diverse range of films from Hong Kong and around the world that reflect the breadth, complexity, and vitality of LGBTQ+ experiences.

**Call for Submissions: Short Films & Narrative Feature Films**

HKLGFF is once again opening submissions for short films, continuing our tradition of showcasing diverse and powerful stories. For the first time ever, we are also calling for Narrative Feature Films — expanding our platform to celebrate longer-form storytelling. This addition reflects the festival’s ongoing curatorial commitment to long-form storytelling that engages with LGBTQ+ lives in nuanced, complex, and culturally specific ways. We welcome narrative features that offer distinctive perspectives, strong directorial vision, and thoughtful approaches to character, form, and narrative.

Awards & Prizes

Short Film Jury Award

The Short Film Jury Award celebrates short films that take creative risks and leave a lasting impression. Chosen by a jury of filmmakers and industry professionals, the award honors originality, craft, and bold storytelling in short-form cinema. We’re looking for distinctive voices, fresh perspectives, and films that surprise us, move us, or make us see the world a little differently. If your short has something to say, we want to see it.

Rules & Terms

ELIGIBILITY & SUBMISSION
• HKLGFF accepts short films and narrative feature films made by and/or centered on LGBTQ+ individuals and communities from around the world.
• Eligible films must have been completed in May 2025 or later.
• Submissions are accepted exclusively via FilmFreeway.

**Submission fee waivers are not available**

SCREENER REQUIREMENTS
• Password-protected Vimeo screener (720p preferred), or
• Secure online screener

FILM CATEGORIES, RUNTIME & EXHIBITION FORMAT
• Short Films: up to 30 minutes
• Narrative Feature Films: 75 minutes or longer

Selected films must be available in:
• DCP (2K or 4K), 24fps
• Non-English language films must include English subtitles (burnt-in or XML)
• Sound: 2.0 or 5.1
• Encryption optional (no specific requirement)
• For Chinese-language films, any Chinese subtitles must be in Traditional Chinese (not Simplified).

SUBMISSION MATERIALS (IF SELECTED)
An electronic press kit is required, including:
• Still images (300 dpi) with captions and credits
• Synopsis
• Director biography and statement
• Cast and crew list
HKLGFF may use submitted materials for print and online promotion. Additional materials (e.g. posters, trailers) may be requested.

PREMIERE STATUS & AVAILABILITY
• Films must not have been previously exhibited in Hong Kong in any capacity
• Films must not be publicly available online or via VOD platforms
• Films must qualify as at least a Hong Kong premiere

FESTIVAL POLICY
Screening of all selected films is subject to approval by the Hong Kong censorship authority. Films that do not receive such approval will not be exhibited, and the Festival bears no liability for censorship-related decisions.
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  • Festival Formula

    We were delighted that our client SEAHORSE PARENTS screened in the 2024 edition. Good quality queer festivals in this territory are few and far between - keep up the great work!

    November 2024
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  • Tathagata Ghosh

    A great festival with great curation. It was a huge honor to screen "If" this year.

    September 2024
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  • Amir Zargara

    Thanks for having us :)

    September 2023
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  • Xiaowen Wang

    I was very excited to attend the festival and visit Hong Kong but sadly it was impossible because of COVID. Still, thanks for having us with our short "Cocoon Love"! Everyone at the festival was very courteous and there was very good communication. Wonderful festival! Thank you! And no one wants to miss it. Highly recommended!

    November 2021
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  • Derek Ho

    Hong Kong Lesbian & Gay Film Festival is an excellent platform to showcase my film. The committee was also superb with their communication and organisation, making logistics a breeze to handle. I am very proud to take part at HKLGFF 2021.

    October 2021
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