QUEER EXPRESSION FILM FEST (QE FILM FEST) is a celebration of bold, intimate, and adventurous global LGBTQ+ cinema. Presented by Open Space Arts, QE showcases short, mid-length, and feature-length films that reflect the complexity, diversity, and vitality of queer life across cultures and communities.

Our programming embraces traditional gay narratives alongside films that explore gender and sexuality from a wide range of perspectives, including trans, nonbinary, drag, and gender-expansive stories. We welcome narrative films, documentaries, experimental work, animation, and hybrid forms, and we actively encourage submissions from BIPOC filmmakers and other underrepresented voices.

QE is especially drawn to films that are emotionally resonant, artist-driven, and unafraid to challenge form, genre, or expectation. All submitted works should authentically engage queer experience—through character, theme, or point of view—and contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ cinema.
FESTIVAL STRUCTURE & PROGRAMS
BEST OF THE FEST — COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS
QE Film Fest presents BEST OF THE FEST programs featuring outstanding short, mid-length, and feature films selected from submissions. These films are curated into ongoing programs and are presented exclusively via streaming.

GENERAL RUN TIMES
Short Films: under 20 minutes
Mid-Length Films: 21–59 minutes
Feature Films: 60 minutes or longer

REGULAR DEADLINE FOR BEST OF THE FEST SUBMISSIONS
June 1, 2026

FEATURE FILMS — ONE-NIGHT SCREENINGS AT FACETS FILM FORUM
In addition to competitive programs, QE Film Fest is actively seeking feature-length queer films (60+ minutes) for one-night-only, in-person screenings in Chicago. These screenings often serve as Chicago premieres and may include filmmaker Q&As or post-screening discussions.

FACETS FILM FORUM is fully accessible.
There is no submission deadline for feature films being considered for live, in-person screenings.
For in-person screenings, filmmakers may use the FilmFreeway fee waiver code: INPERSON2026

STREAMING & EXHIBITION
QE Film Fest programs stream on a rolling basis throughout the year. Selected films are typically available for a limited run of 14 days, after which they are removed from the platform.
Streaming programs are available worldwide with no geo-fencing.

AUDIENCE ACCESS & PRICING
Streaming programs: $12
In-person screenings: $15
Discounted rates are available for Open Space Arts subscribers and members.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Now in its 14th year, QE Film Fest was originally founded as QUEER BITS FILM FEST and later evolved into PRIDE FILM FEST before becoming QUEER EXPRESSION FILM FEST. The festival is presented by Open Space Arts, a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Learn more at www.openspacearts.org

Awards & Prizes

Outstanding submissions may be designated BEST OF THE FEST and featured in curated streaming programs. Awards are non-monetary, with a focus on high-impact exhibition, increased visibility, and meaningful audience engagement.

Rules & Terms

ELIGIBILITY & SUBMISSION
All films must be submitted through FilmFreeway. Submissions through other platforms will not be accepted.

An entry fee applies to all submissions unless a waiver code is provided.
Films must be queer in content, perspective, or authorship, and authentically engage LGBTQ+ lives or experiences.

Films that have not previously screened publicly in the Chicago area are eligible for consideration as Chicago premieres.

CATEGORIES & RUN TIMES
Films are considered in the following categories:
Short Films: under 20 minutes
Mid-Length Films: 21–59 minutes
Feature Films: 60 minutes or longer
Films exceeding 120 minutes may be considered at the discretion of the programming team.

PROGRAM TYPES
BEST OF THE FEST (COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS)
Short, mid-length, and feature films are eligible for competitive BEST OF THE FEST consideration. Selected films are presented exclusively via streaming as part of curated programs.
Regular Deadline: June 1, 2026.

FEATURE FILMS — LIVE SCREENINGS AT FACETS FILM FORUM
Feature-length films (60+ minutes) may also be considered for one-night-only, in-person screenings in Chicago.

There is no submission deadline for films being considered for live screenings.

EXHIBITION FORMAT
BEST OF THE FEST programs are presented online for a limited engagement of approximately 14 days.
Streaming programs are not geo-fenced and are available worldwide unless otherwise requested by the filmmaker.
FACETS FILM FORUM is fully accessible for in-
person screenings

LANGUAGE & SUBTITLES
Films containing significant non-English dialogue must include on-screen English subtitles at the time of submission.

RIGHTS & CLEARANCES
The submitter is solely responsible for securing all necessary rights, permissions, and clearances for the submitted work, including music, images, likenesses, and trademarks.
By submitting a film, the submitter agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Queer Expression Film Fest and Open Space Arts from any and all claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) arising from exhibition or promotion of the submitted work.

PROMOTION & PUBLICITY
By submitting a film, the submitter grants permission for Queer Expression Film Fest to use film stills, trailers, excerpts, descriptions, biographies, and related materials for festival promotion, publicity, and archival purposes.

SELECTION & JURY
Films are reviewed by a selection committee composed of filmmakers, artists, and cultural workers, including past festival participants.
Screening and judging may occur remotely, with committee members based internationally.

GENERAL
Submission does not guarantee selection.
The festival reserves the right to determine final programming decisions, screening formats, and scheduling.
Rules and terms are subject to change.

For more information, visit: www.openspacearts.org