The Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival (HRFF) is one of the longest‑running and most respected queer film festivals in the United States, proudly celebrating its 37th anniversary in 2026. For nearly four decades, HRFF has served as a vibrant bridge between Hawaiʻi and the Pacific, Asia, and the continental U.S., championing MVPFAFF/LGBTQIA+ storytelling across cultures. We are an IMDb‑qualified festival and a proud member of the Asia Pacific Queer Film Festival Alliance.

HRFF is rooted in the belief that queer film has the power to illuminate, inspire, and transform. Each year, we uplift stories that raise awareness, spark dialogue, and honor the rich diversity of Hawaiʻi’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, māhū, and aikāne communities. The festival is presented annually in honor of Hawaiʻi LGBTQ pioneer Adam Baran, whose legacy continues to guide our commitment to visibility and pride.

In 2026, we are thrilled to present a full slate of in‑person screenings at the historic Hawaiʻi Theatre in downtown Honolulu — a landmark gathering place where community and creativity meet. Guided by this year’s theme of Kīpuka, which symbolizes renewal and the protected spaces where life continues and new growth begins, the festival welcomes audiences to come together in celebration of queer stories, culture, and community.

We invite filmmakers from around the world to share your stories with us. HRFF is a place where your work is seen, valued, and celebrated — a festival shaped by community, creativity, and the spirit of aloha.

We look forward to welcoming you to the warm sands of Hawaiʻi. Aloha!

Best Feature
Best Documentary
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Short
Adam Baran (Humanitarian Award)
Best Local Filmmaker Award
Rising Star Award

ELIGIBILITY
HRFF accepts films of any length and genre about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, mahu, queer, intersex and allied people and their communities. A separate FilmFreeway Entry Form is required for each film being submitted.

FILM CATEGORIES
Narrative Feature films are 40 minutes and over. Documentary Feature films are 40 minutes and over. Shorts are films under 40 minutes. Episodic inclusdes Web series, webisodes, and ongoing storylines where multiple episodes will be shown.

PREVIEW FORMAT 
Preview submissions must be submitted via secure online screener (e.g. vimeo.com with password), or through a secure online link via FilmFreeway.

ROUGH CUTS & WORKS-IN-PROGRESS 
Please submit a rough cut or work-in-progress only if it has special relevance to our festival; e.g., you are a local filmmaker.

NOTIFICATION 
FilmFreeway submissions will be marked "In Consideration" once payment, entry forms, and an online link of the film have been received. Entrants will be notified of festival selections by May, 2026.

FEE WAIVER
A fee waiver is available for filmmakers based in Hawai'i and on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us about your situation and to obtain a waiver code.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ben Baur

    Attending the Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival was an absolute dream. From the moment we arrived, the team made us feel so welcomed and celebrated. They took incredible care of us, not just as filmmakers, but as people. Thoughtful hospitality, stunning surroundings, and truly impeccable vibes. The programming was fantastic, with a slate of films that felt intentional, impactful, and joyfully queer.

    We got to connect with audiences in meaningful ways and meet fellow filmmakers doing exciting work. HRFF has created something really special, and we felt lucky to be a small part of it. Can’t wait to come back.

    July 2025
  • bart everly

    A wonderful experience! Everyone associated with the festival was warm and gracious, exemplifying the true spirit of Aloha.

    July 2025
    Response from festival:

    Aloha e Bart! It was a pleasure hosting you and we hope to have you back here soon again

  • Ryan Paige

    We were thrilled to be made part of the Official Selection for Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival and have our little film reach a vast audience in Hawaii. The team offered endless, helpful communication to ensure everything went smoothly. It was a great experience. Mahalo!

    September 2023
  • Angelique Kalani Axelrode

    Amazing festival showcasing international and local Hawaiian queer films and engaging with community!

    September 2023
  • Ryan Spahn

    We submitted THE OTHER JOHN on a whim and were delighted to be accepted. The programer who had screened our short reached out directly to congratulate us. They also complimented the film in a very personal, specific, and sincere way. The extra effort to welcome us aboard meant a lot to our team.

    September 2023
    Response from festival:

    Mahalo Ryan for letting us screen your film. It’s been a blast!