The International Queer Film & Art Forum (IQFAF) returns for Pride 2026 with a newly expanded digital-first festival experience celebrating bold LGBTQ+ storytelling from independent creators around the world.
The 2026 IQFAF Pride Festival will run from June 5th, 2026 through July 14th, 2026 exclusively through the RJPC TV streaming platform.
This year’s festival will feature curated selections of:
Feature Films
Short Films
Music Videos
Audio Dramas
Official selections will stream on a dedicated IQFAF section of RJPCtv.com and compete for both public Audience Choice Awards and Academy-selected honors for the 2026 season.
A special centerpiece event, the:
13 American Queer Filmmakers Showcase
will premiere on July 4th, 2026, spotlighting independent American LGBTQ+ creators and underground queer cinema voices.
All officially selected projects will receive:
Official IQFAF 2026 Laurels
Streaming showcase placement on RJPC TV
A professionally produced podcast-style creator interview
Promotional support across IQFAF and RJPC platforms
Eligibility for Audience Choice and Academy Awards
Academy-selected winners will also receive invitations to an exclusive in-person IQFAF Premiere & Awards Event in Las Vegas, Nevada.
IQFAF exists to champion daring queer storytelling, outsider voices, experimental artistry, independent filmmaking, and creators pushing beyond traditional industry limitations.
2026 CATEGORIES
FEATURE FILMS
Narrative, documentary, experimental, or hybrid films with a runtime of 45 minutes or longer.
SHORT FILMS
Narrative, documentary, animated, experimental, or hybrid projects with a runtime of 15 minutes or shorter.
MUSIC VIDEOS
Official music videos, visual albums, live performance films, and experimental music-driven visual projects.
AUDIO DRAMAS
Narrative audio fiction, horror audio productions, immersive storytelling podcasts, audio experiences, and cinematic sound-based projects.
IMPORTANT ELIGIBILITY RULES
STREAMING REQUIREMENT
To be eligible for official competition and awards consideration, selected projects must allow streaming through the official IQFAF / RJPC TV digital festival platform during festival dates.
Projects unwilling or unable to stream on the festival platform will not be eligible for competition.
PREMIERE STATUS
IQFAF does NOT require premiere status.
Previously screened, distributed, self-released, online-released, or festival-screened projects are eligible.
We care more about strong storytelling and unique artistic voices than exclusivity status.
OFFICIAL SELECTION STRUCTURE
The 2026 festival plans to officially select:
3 Feature Films
13 Short Films
9 Music Videos
3 Audio Dramas
Additional spotlight showcases or honorary screenings may be added at festival discretion.
AWARDS
ACADEMY AWARDS
Chosen by the IQFAF Academy Panel.
Possible awards include:
Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Music Video
Best Audio Drama
Audience Choice Award
Best Director
Best LGBTQ+ Storytelling
Best Experimental Work
Emerging Queer Creator Award
Spirit of Independent Cinema Award
AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARDS
Audience awards will be determined through online public voting during the festival streaming window.
CREATOR BENEFITS
All official selections receive:
Official IQFAF 2026 Laurels
Streaming exhibition on RJPC TV
Podcast-style creator interview for promotion
Social media and promotional support
Inclusion in festival advertising campaigns
Access to audience voting exposure
Selected creators may also be featured in:
RJPC Behind the Studios
IQFAF spotlight articles
Festival livestream discussions
Creator roundtable promotions
ABOUT IQFAF
The International Queer Film & Art Forum was created to provide a platform for fearless LGBTQ+ creators working both inside and outside traditional industry systems.
IQFAF embraces:
Queer horror
Underground cinema
Experimental storytelling
Punk filmmaking spirit
BIPOC and trans creators
Boundary-pushing independent art
Audio storytelling innovation
Low-budget creativity with strong artistic voice
This is a festival built for creators who take risks.
Exciting Opportunities for IQFAF Quarter Winners!
At the International Queer Film and Art Forum (IQFAF), we believe in celebrating the outstanding talents within the queer community. Each Quarter Winner in our festival will not only earn the recognition they deserve but also enjoy exclusive benefits that enhance their experience:
YouTube Interview and Exposure:
As a Quarter Winner, you will be featured in an engaging interview on our YouTube platform, providing you with a unique opportunity to share insights about your work, artistic journey, and the inspiration behind your creation.
Certificate of Excellence:
IQFAF takes pride in acknowledging excellence. Every Quarter Winner will receive an official Certificate of Excellence, recognizing their exceptional contribution to the world of queer film and art.
Entrance to the Physical Festival:
Enjoy the spotlight at the grand IQFAF Physical Festival in Las Vegas! Quarter Winners gain automatic entrance, giving you the chance to showcase your work in a prestigious competition alongside other talented creators.
Winning Laurel:
Stand out as a winner with our exclusive laurel, a symbol of your artistic achievement. Display it proudly to signify your recognition as one of the exceptional talents of IQFAF.
Invitation and Discount for Merced Queer Film Festival:
Embrace broader opportunities! IQFAF Quarter Winners will receive a special invitation and an exclusive discount for the Merced Queer Film Festival—an excellent chance to network, engage, and expand your presence in the queer film community.
Virtual Screening :
All films will be screened on the platform of the festivals choosing. A exciting option to virtually showcase the film. This means additional exposure for your work, reaching audiences beyond the physical festival, and extending the impact of your artistic expression. This also will qualify your film for the IQFAF Round 2 Peoples Choice Awards.
Entry into IQFAF 2025 Physical Festival:
Your journey doesn't end here! Quarter Winners will automatically be entered into the prestigious IQFAF 2025 Physical Festival, providing an ongoing platform to share your creativity with a wider audience.
At IQFAF, we are not just a festival; we are a community that nurtures and uplifts queer voices. Join us in this journey of celebration and empowerment. Submit your work, and let your art shine!
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Derek Bensonhaver
March 2025 -
November 2024
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November 2024
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Richard James Allen
August 2024 -
August 2024
