Our mission is to amplify the voices, vision and works of film that would otherwise struggle to find a mainstream audience but have a significant impact in raising awareness around lives and issues of queer people and queer communities of color. This event will bring people together while celebrating the rich history and bright future of artistic contributions from the LGBTQIA+ BIPOC community in Newark and beyond.

On the weekend of April 14th, 2023, the Newark LGBTQ Community Center along with our community partners will host the first ever Newark LGBTQ Film Festival. This Queer Film festival will be the first of its kind in the city of Newark and the state of NJ to focus on LGBTQIA+ BIPOC film makers, directors, and actors specifically those from Newark and the surrounding areas. The festival will also hold the shared goal of the center to create a safe, inclusive environment for the LGBTQ community in Newark and beyond!

Awards & Prizes

We will give out an Emerging Filmmaker award to an up and coming filmmaker who shows promise in representing the LGBTQIA+ BIPOC community with their future work.

Rules & Terms

Films should be of interest to, and inclusive of, the LGBTQIA2S+ community - specifically we are looking to highlight films made by BIPOC LGBTQ filmmakers and about topics relevant to the LGBTQ Community in Newark, NJ.

We are accepting feature length films, short films, documentaries and experimental projects for consideration.

If your film is selected for screening you will be sent details about what is needed.

If possible please include a synopsis, film stills, film trailer, production credits, press information, and other collateral regarding your film.

Thank you for submitting! This is our first year and we are looking forward to showcasing your great work in our new festival.