The Long Beach QFilm Festival (QFilms) is the city's oldest film festival and the only film festival dedicating to showcasing the rich diversity of LGBTQ stories. For over 30 years, this event has been welcoming thousands of movie lovers, industry professionals, and community members to attend screenings, parties, mixers, and Q&As with filmmakers. QFilms is the second largest LGBTQ cultural event in Long Beach and the LGBTQ cultural event of the year, every year!

QFilms is held by The LGBTQ Center Long Beach, a community organization serving 10,000 people a year. The LGBTQ Center Long Beach advances equity for LGBTQ people through culturally responsive advocacy, education, programs, and services.

All films selected to screen at QFilms can use “Official Selection of 2026 Long Beach QFilm Festival” logo sent to filmmakers upon invitation to screen at festival.

Awards & Prizes

QFilms presents Jury Awards, which include but are not limited to:

Men's Content Category
1. Best Feature Length Narrative Film
2. Best Feature Length Documentary Film
3. Best Short Film

Women's Content Category
1. Best Feature Length Narrative Film
2. Best Feature Length Documentary Film
3. Best Short Film

Queer or Trans Content Category
1. Best Feature Length Narrative Film
2. Best Feature Length Documentary Film
3. Best Short Film

SoCal Local Content Category
1. Best Feature Length Narrative Film
2. Best Feature Length Documentary Film
3. Best Short Film

Overall Awards (across all content categories):
1. Best Feature Length Narrative Film
2. Best Feature Length Documentary Film
3. Best Short Film
4. Film of the Year

Unfortunately, cash prizes are not available at this time.

Rules & Terms

1. Filmmakers must submit their films no later than July 1, 2026

2. Screening Copies: All entrants must submit an online screener for consideration. If selected for the festival, films must be provided in DCP format. Please note that the theater requires DCP for optimal presentation.

3. All entries must be in English or contain English subtitles.
NO PAYMENT WILL BE OFFERED for the inclusion of any film. Filmmakers waive the right to charge a fee for the use of their film in this festival.

4. For publication and promotional purposes, if your film is selected for screening, entrants must be prepared to provide:
• At least three electronic publicity stills (JPEG or PDF format, 300 dpi).
• A film description for the program.
• A link to a trailer or film clips for promotional use.
• A complete credit list and any available publicity materials.

NOTE: The Long Beach QFilm Festival will only accept electronic images for the official festival program. Any materials intended for review by the QFilms programming committee should be submitted with the application.

5. Student Submissions: Students must include proof of student status at the time of submission (e.g., a copy of a valid student ID).

6. SoCal Local Categories Guidelines: Submissions for the SoCal Local categories must be LGBTQ+ related and meet at least one of the following criteria:
• Focused on queer stories, events, or people in Southern California
• Filmed in Southern California
• Created by filmmakers from the Southern California area

7. Submission Information: To ensure a smooth review process, please complete all required fields when submitting your film, including:
• Project information (title, synopsis, website, etc.).
• Submitter information (Name, Email, Phone, Address, etc.).
• Digital press kit (poster, trailer, production photos, etc.)
• Production credits (project type, genre, run time, aspect ratio, shooting format, etc.).
• Other specifications

Incomplete submissions may result in delays or exclusion from consideration.

8. Shipping
The entrant must pay the cost of shipping an entry to the festival. Collect or C.O.D. shipments will not be accepted. All international entries must be sent "free domicile" to the festival office with all transportation charges, duties, and taxes prepaid by the shipper. All payments must be made in U.S. currency. Any brokerage fees charged to the QFilm Festival will be billed back to the shipper. Be sure to include all proper customs documentation required by the shipping company.

The Long Beach QFilm Festival is not responsible for any loss or damage to entries during shipping to or from the festival.
19 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ari F.

    Long Beach QFilm Festival was an incredible experience. The venue was great, the film lineup was strong and diverse, and the vibe was super welcoming. A huge shoutout to Taka and the entire staff for their exceptional communication and hospitality. Taka made the process smooth and enjoyable, always responsive and supportive.

    Also, proceeds go directly to The Center Long Beach. It was an honor to be part of something that combines artistic excellence with real community impact. Highly recommend submitting to and attending this festival.

    October 2025
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  • Rebecca Chivers

    This was my film's debut festival and it was a wonderful experience! Communication was super clear and friendly, and the whole event had a fantastic sense of community and joy. It really felt like every single person involved was super invested in making the experience special and it paid off. The queer community in long beach will always hold a special place in my heart after this.

    September 2025
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  • Aaron Immediato

    So honored to have my short film "The Last Story on Earth" included at the Long Beach QFilm Festival! The screening was a lot of fun to attend with an engaged audience and a lively Q&A. All the staff and volunteers were very welcoming and made this a fantastic festival experience!

    September 2025
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  • Ahuatl Amaro

    I had so much fun at the Long Beach QFilm Festival! The festival organizers and volunteers were very welcoming, hospitable, and responsive. I grew up hanging out at the LGBTQ+ coffee shops in Long Beach, so it really felt like home screening our comedy film there. I can't wait to screen our next film at this year's festival!

    April 2025
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  • Jackson Tropp

    Thank you for screening our short film! It was great to see it on a big screen in Long Beach alongside some other impressive films. The programmers did an amazing job, as every short block and every feature were fantastic! The catering was great, and the LGBTQ center (where a lot of the events were hosted) was a great spot to network with filmmakers and local attendees.

    October 2024
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