FESTIVAL OBJECTIVE

The INTERNATIONAL QUEER FILM FESTIVAL aims to provide a space for the exhibition of high-quality cinema while supporting productions whose central themes focus on sexual diversity and the defense of LGBTQ+ human rights.
This festival offers a meeting point for filmmakers, producers, students, and audiences interested in queer cinema, creating opportunities for dialogue, the sharing of experiences, and international collaboration regardless of country of origin.

Awards & Prizes

COMPETITIVE CATEGORIES

SHORT FILMS

Best Mexican Fiction Short Film

Best International Fiction Short Film

Best Mexican Documentary Short Film

Best International Documentary Short Film

Best Student Short Film

Requirements:
Short films may be submitted in film, video, or digital format by Mexican or foreign directors. Completion date must be after September 1, 2024.
Duration: minimum 5 minutes, maximum 30 minutes (including credits).
A film lasting 31 minutes will be considered a feature film.

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FEATURE FILMS & SERIES

Best Mexican Fiction Feature Film

Best International Fiction Feature Film

Best Mexican Documentary Feature Film

Best International Documentary Feature Film

Best Animated Film

Best Musical

Best Series (submitted as a single continuous screening)

Best Director

Best Cinematography

Best Actress

Best Supporting Actress

Best Actor

Best Supporting Actor

Jury Award

Audience Award

Xoxipilli Award for Contribution to the LGBTQ+ Community

Requirements:
Feature films and series may be submitted in film, video, or digital format by Mexican or foreign directors. They must not have been commercially released in Mexican cinemas.
Duration: minimum 30 minutes, maximum 160 minutes (including credits).
Completion date must be after September 1, 2024.
Series must be presented as one continuous projection.

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSION PROCESS

A. Fees

Short films (up to 30 min):
400 MXN / 20 USD

Medium-length and feature films (31–160 min):
800 MXN / 40 USD

Fees are non-refundable and do not guarantee selection.

B. Student Shorts

Student short films submitted directly through their educational institution are exempt from payment, provided they include an official letter of certification from the institution.

C. Submission Limits

There is no limit to the number of films a filmmaker or production company may submit.

D. Restrictions

Music videos, commercial works, or productions with political or religious propaganda will not be accepted.

E. Language & Subtitles

All films must include Spanish subtitles, including Mexican productions.
Translation services are available at an additional cost.

F. Required File Formats

Submit:

A digital screening copy in NTSC

A screener in MP4 or MOV
Both must be downloadable.

Send materials to:
queerffplaya.inscription@gmail.com

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MANDATORY MATERIALS (PRESS KIT)

1. Press kit in Word format

2. Film must have LGBTQ+ community as its main theme

3. Still photo (300 dpi, .jpg or .tif)

4. Poster (70 × 100 cm, high resolution)

5. Synopsis in English and Spanish (Word)

6. Director’s biography in English and Spanish (Word)

7. Director’s photo (300 dpi)

8. Technical sheet / full credits list (Word)

9. Downloadable trailer (MP4 or MOV)

10. Subtitles in SRT format (original language and/or Spanish)

Optional (recommended for social media):

400 × 400 px images

Names & social media handles of director and main cast

Links to Facebook, Instagram & X profiles

Links to the production’s official pages

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DATES & CONDITIONS

Submission deadline: April 30, 2026
(Submissions postmarked on this date will be accepted.)

Shipping costs are the responsibility of participants.

Once submitted and accepted, films cannot be withdrawn.

The festival does not pay screening fees.

Selected films may be included in national and international traveling showcases during 2026–2027.

Awards

Winners will receive the “XOXIPILLI” trophy, only if:

They attend the closing ceremony in person, or

Cover the shipping costs of the award.

Required Documents

Submission form

Screening permission form

Signed acceptance of festival rules

Proof of payment

Must be signed by the film’s director or producer.

Travel Expenses

The Festival does not cover any travel, lodging, or per-diem costs.

INFORMATION & MATERIALS SUBMISSION

International Queer Film Festival Playa del Carmen
Av. 110 Norte between Calle 6 & 8 Norte, Mza 18, Lot 2
Ejidal Neighborhood
77712 — Playa del Carmen, Solidaridad
Quintana Roo, Mexico

Email: queerffplaya.inscription@gmail.com

Jan Novak
Director
International Queer Film Festival
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico

14 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Brad Burleson

    Thank you to the Indianapolis LGBT Film Festival for selecting Tippi & Barb. We’re honored to have our film included alongside such meaningful LGBTQ+ stories. Your support helps amplify voices that matter, and we’re truly grateful.

    February 2026
    Helpful
  • Michele Li Volsi

    Come posso giudicare un festival parte in selezione poi solo silenzio 🤔🤔🤔🤔

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Tathagata Ghosh

    A great festival! Thanks for showing "If"!

    November 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your contribution to inclusion in cinema. We look forward to your other works in the next editions.
    Best Regards
    Jan Novak

  • Bakande Producciones

    ¡Gracias por hacernos parte con INEFABLE!

    November 2023
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Gracias por visitarnos.
    Esperamos sus películas para las otras ediciones.
    Jan Novak

  • Lam Can-zhao

    Absolutely wonderful Festival! I hope to come back in future years.

    January 2023
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    We appreciate your comments and hope to receive your works in the near future.
    Best Regards
    Jan Novak