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 May 1-4, 2025, the Newark LGBTQ Community Center along with our community partners will host the third annual Newark LGBTQ Film Festival. This Queer Film festival is 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! We are looking forward to showcasing your great work in our festival.
7 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Lisa Thomas

    The Newark LGBTQ film fest is such a great festival. The organizers were beyond welcoming. The audience was super receptive, there was amazing hospitality and really good vibes all around. I even made some industry connections which I did not expect. I'd absolutely recommend this festival to other filmmakers.

    May 2025
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  • Chicahua Zipactonal Martínez

    It was such a nice event! Thank you, Newark LGBTQ Film Festival, for giving "In This Moment" the space to be fully realised. I cannot wait to submit future projects here! Congrats to the other selections! It was fantastic!

    May 2025
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  • Sekiya Dorsett

    Running a festival isn't easy. It's a lot of things to juggle but the folks of Newark have a deep heart for film that is communicates across all aspects of the fest. I hope that more people discover this fest just over the river so that it may grow.

    May 2025
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  • Josef Steiff

    We cannot recommend this festival enough! Exceptional communication and enthusiasm for filmmakers! Great festival team. Strong promotion of the films on social media. One of our very best interactions with a festival.

    May 2024
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  • Chance Calloway

    What a wonderful, vibrant festival! I was unable to attend in person due to a recent bereavement, but I felt included throughout the entire process. It was wonderful seeing the excitement of other filmmakers who were present and sharing moments across their social media. Ultimately that is what curated art is supposed to foster: a sense of belonging and an electric energy that inspires more art.

    May 2024
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