Hotter Than July 30th Anniversary Film Festival
📅 Thursday, July 23, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Marvin Lee Building
20021 Greenfield Rd., Detroit, MI 48235

LGBT Detroit proudly presents the Hotter Than July 30th Anniversary Film Festival, a powerful evening of cinematic celebration marking three decades of the nation’s longest-running Black LGBTQ+ Pride event.

As we honor 31 years of community, resilience, and joy, we invite filmmakers from across the spectrum to share bold, authentic, and transformative stories that uplift LGBTQ+ experiences — with a special spotlight on the voices of Black and marginalized communities.

This one-night-only event is more than a film screening — it’s a gathering of storytellers, visionaries, and changemakers. Through short narrative films, documentaries, animations, and experimental works (20 minutes or less), we aim to spark conversation, amplify underrepresented voices, and showcase the rich tapestry of queer life.

Join us in Detroit for an unforgettable night of storytelling, connection, and pride.

🎥 Submissions now open. Show us your truth. Share your vision. Be part of history.

Rules & Terms

Official Rules & Submission Guidelines
Thank you for your interest in the Hotter Than July 30th Anniversary Film Festival, presented by LGBT Detroit. Please carefully review the following rules before submitting your film:

Submission Portal
All entries must be submitted via Film Freeway

Film Length Requirement
All films must have a total runtime of 20 minutes or less, including credits. No exceptions will be made.

Eligibility Criteria
Submitted films must meet at least one of the following criteria:

Be a creative work by a Queer/LGBTQIA+ writer, filmmaker, or include LGBTQIA+ individuals in key cast or crew roles
OR

Center on Queer/LGBTQIA+ themes or narratives as a primary focus of the story

We welcome short films across all genres, including narrative, documentary, animation, and experimental works. By submitting, you affirm that you hold the necessary rights and permissions for all content in your film.

We look forward to viewing your work and celebrating the power of LGBTQIA+ storytelling with you!