My True Colors Festival is an annual event fighting for social justice and promoting cultural diversity through the arts by presenting works in multiple disciplines that are for and by underrepresented multicultural LGBTQIAGNC+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual. nonbinary gender non-conforming) storytellers. My True Colors Festival benefits LGBTQIAGNC+-identifying persons and their allies.

Since its launch in June 2015 as an official NYC PRIDE event, MTCF has presented over 200 screenings of film shorts, narratives, documentaries, and web series; stage plays; music performances; dance acts; visual arts; and, talkbacks/one-on-one conversations with high profile artists like ABC "Black-ish" co-star Jennifer Lewis and "For Colored Girls..." creator, the late Ntozake Shange. While the COVID-19 pandemic caused MTCF to scale back its offerings, we continued to support artists behind the scenes.

The 2023 season will take place June 15th – 30th both virtually and live in the Tri-State Area. In addition to offering a safe and affirming environment for storytellers to showcase their works, MTCF is devoted to keeping production costs down for independent artists and providing development opportunities for rising playwrights.

MTCF is a fiscally sponsored program of Fractured Atlas, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit serving the arts community. MTCF is produced by True Colors Project, a social arts enterprise.

Rules & Terms

Submissions in all artistic disciplines and lengths will be considered as long as these works highlight or showcase a unique perspective, creativity, and cultural experience, in addition to, reflect ethnicity, sexual orientation, identity, or gender diversity. We are truly a ‘Festival That Cares’ about diversity and inclusion.

For Plays. Please attach a full script, no outlines, typed and doubled space. One-Acts or Short Plays must be 30 minutes to 60 minutes in length and Full-Act Plays 60 minutes to 120 minutes. For Cabaret or Sketch shows please submit a video link of the complete work or 30 minute excerpt. Stage Readings are welcomed. Work must be written by a member of LGBTQIA+ community and/or LGBTQIA+-themed.

For Film: Please submit a video link (i.e., Vimeo or Youtube) to the complete film or a substantial excerpt. If the video is password protected or "private," please ensure that we have the requisite abilities to access said footage. Shorts are limited in length at 45 minutes or under, Features, 60 minutes to 120 minutes; and Documentaries, 60 minutes to 90 minutes. Work must be written by member of LGBTQIA+ community and/or LGBTQIA+-themed.

For Web Originals: Please submit three original episodes of the Web series for consideration (as one file. Each episode must be no more than 30 minutes in length. All genres (animation, drama, comedy, documentary style, reality based etc.) will be accepted. Work must be created by member of LGBTQIA+ community and/or LGBTQIA+-themed.

For Visual Art: Please submit three to five images (PDF or JPEG), video link or URL for online portfolios. All work must be original, designed and created by the applicant. Work must be created by member of LGBTQIA+ community and/or LGBTQIA+-themed.

We will email successful candidates an invitation to join the My True Colors Festival beginning April 16, 2020.

11 Reviews
Overall Rating
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Networking
  • KAREEM FERGUSON

    a wonderful loving and growing festival in Manhattan. Definitely should submit to it. Representation Matters and they are all about that inclusiveness.

    October 2019
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  • Sean Leviashvili

    What a beautiful event - first off, the theater is huge and so nice. You really get a big screen experience. The coordinators, Bill and Barney couldn't have been nicer. What a great group! Finally, I was so beyond honored to have been in a lineup with such excellent films - all of which were remarkably distinct from each other and beautifully done.

    August 2019
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  • Asia LeMasters

    I wasn't able to attend this festival, but definitely was gracious that my film, EVOKE, was able to be a part of it. They are all very supportive of indie films.

    July 2018
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  • Hamze Zarei

    Thank you My True Colors Festival

    June 2018
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  • Jamie DiNicola

    Wonderful event in a great location in Brooklyn. Wonderful staff! The talk-back was also a great experience. Thank you for selecting and screening Spot! Certainly a festival you do not want to miss.

    June 2018
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