Pride Film Fest (PFF) is a celebration of vibrant global LGBTQ cinema, showcasing a diverse array of short films, mid-length features, and features that vividly capture the rich tapestry and intricacies of queer life worldwide. PFF includes traditional gay narratives alongside films that delve into gender and sexuality from myriad perspectives, including drag. Our curated programs encompass narratives, documentaries, music and dance videos, and animations, offering a comprehensive exploration of the LGBTQ experience.

Recent submissions reflect a commendable gender balance, with a warm welcome extended to nonbinary, trans, and drag films. Emphasizing inclusivity, we actively encourage submissions from BIPOC filmmakers. While we value films exploring themes of romance and sexuality, we emphasize the importance of portraying these aspects in a healthy and positive light.

In the spirit of breaking boundaries, we enthusiastically invite films that defy categorization and challenge conventional norms. All submitted works must authentically resonate with queer communities, featuring characters or themes that contribute to the diverse narrative of LGBTQ experiences.

The festival is quarterly, with programs streaming in January, April, August, and November. Outstanding films are named "Best of the Fest". Those clocking in at 20 minutes or less are grouped into our dynamic shorts program. Mid-length films span 20 to 50 minutes and features run 60 to 90 minutes. Films longer than that are generally not accepted. Programs are not grouped by gender or theme, as we prefer audiences to experience a full range of LGBTQ stories.

Our events are streamed, and not geo-blocked. Our primary mission is to swiftly showcase selected submissions during our streaming fest. If your film earns a coveted spot, you have the option to feature and reach a wider audience when it is streamed for 10 days. It then disappears from our site. Visit pridefilm.org for real-time information on current streams.

Admission to our programs is priced at $12 each, with a special $7 rate for members. Generally, there are no geographical restrictions, but should geo-fencing be essential for your film, kindly notify us via email at pridefilm@gmail.com during the application process.

Now in our 11th year, Pride Film Fest is sponsored by Open Space Arts, a 501(c)3 non profit.

Selected films are BEST OF THE FEST and are offered the chance to be showcased in our streaming fest.

All films entered are subject to an entry fee.

All submitted films without previous screenings in Chicago are eligible for consideration for the Pride Film Festival. We generally categorize shorts as 20 minutes or less, midlength at 60 minutes or less, and features as 90 minutes or less.

Applicants submitting films containing significant non-English spoken dialogue must provide on-screen English subtitles.

The submitter bears the sole responsibility to clear all content of work submitted from any potential legal claims, including, without limitation, claims based on libel, defamation, copyright, or trademark infringement. PrideArts disclaims liability for any such actual or potential legal claims. The submitter indemnifies Pride Film Fest from any fees and expenses, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, that each of them may incur in connection with such claims.

By submitting a film, you grant Pride Film Fest permission to use film stills, trailers, descriptions, biographies, and other materials for festival promotion and publicity.

The screening committee comprises professional filmmakers, artists, and filmmakers recently featured in the festival. Judges screen worldwide, including in Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America.

Pride Film Fest only accepts submissions via FilmFreeway.com.

Find out more at PrideFilm.org.

Overall Rating
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  • Henry Baker

    Wonderfully successful and fascinating festival. A must-submit for any LGBT filmmaker. Impressive communication and curating. Most brilliant presentation and promotion of your film.

    February 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks, Henry. We have enjoyed getting to know you and your work!

  • Very nice festival. So happy to be there with my short THE CREAM.

    February 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much. This is one of our favortie films. Keep up the good work.

  • A nice festival for LGBTQ+ film exposure. I enjoyed seeing other festival entries, and it was an honor to be included.

    May 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks, Greg. I hope to see more of your work soon!

  • Amanda Madden

    I enjoyed the other films in the program my film played in and was grateful to be screened alongside them. There was good communication with the festival.

    May 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much and keep up the good work!

  • Felicia Brown

    Great festival that provided an opportunity for our film to be viewed world-wide! I love how they provided newsletters and the set up of the actual festival as it was a beautiful showing of really creative and dynamic films. I would say that having more of an IG presence would help filmmakers for marketing purposes, but overall such a positive experience! Thank you Pride Film Fest for showcasing LGBTQIA+ films all year long!

    May 2023