Out On Film, Atlanta’s LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual) film festival, is one of the most prominent LGBTQIA+ festivals in the world and an Oscar®-qualifying event. Our Best Drama Short award winner is eligible to enter the Academy’s Live Action Short Film competition in the concurrent season, provided Academy rules are met.
We are also proud to be a BAFTA-qualifying festival for the British Short Programme and an Iris Prize Partner Festival.
Now celebrating its 39th year, Out On Film annually presents approximately 150 narratives, documentaries, shorts, and web series—from international features to local programming and retrospectives. Our main event is an 11-day festival held each September in Atlanta, Georgia, with year-round screenings and special events. All films submitted in 2026 will be considered for both our flagship fall festival and our fourth annual Spring Mini-Fest, held in early 2026.
Out On Film is consistently recognized by filmmakers for our genuine commitment to artist care. We are regularly named one of FilmFreeway’s Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals, and our team takes pride in curating not just films—but filmmaker experiences. Whether it’s your North American premiere or a hometown screening, we strive to welcome each artist with intention, warmth, and support.
Filmmakers often cite Out On Film as one of their most memorable festivals, praising our thoughtful programming, responsive staff, and inclusive atmosphere. Many return year after year, calling it “a model for how festivals should be run.”
In 2026, we will also host our third annual Queer Film Summit, a dynamic series of roundtables, panels, and networking events that bring together LGBTQ+ filmmakers, industry professionals, and community members. The summit fosters meaningful dialogue and collaboration while spotlighting emerging and established queer voices.
Our festival offers both Audience and Jury Awards across a variety of categories. Audience Awards include Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary, Best Drama Short, and Best International Film. Jury Awards include Best Feature, Best Documentary, Best International Film, Best Performance, Best Director, Best First Film, Best Ensemble, Best Drama Short, and Best Documentary Short. Award categories may vary each year based on juror selections.
Best Drama Short is our Oscar®-qualifying category.
We also host two Screenplay Competitions: the Short Film Screenplay Competition, which includes a $250 prize, and the Feature Film Screenplay Competition, which includes a $500 prize. Winners may receive a staged reading at the 2026 Out On Film festival.
