From the creators of the NOLA Horror Film Fest (selected as one of the "World's 50 Best Genre Film Festivals" by MovieMaker Magazine) comes QUEER SCREAMS: LGTBQ+ Genre Film Fest. QUEER SCREAMS is a celebration of LGBTQ+ genre cinema from emerging and established queer artists within the community – locally, nationally and internationally. The festival will present opportunities to connect with LGBTQ+ horror/sci-fi/fantasy/thriller fans through film screenings, as well as personal interaction. We strive to contribute to an evergrowing community of genre film lovers by engaging in “the conversation” and the pursuit of positive queer representation in media.

WHY QUEER HORROR IS IMPORTANT
Genre films (Horror, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Etc.) are extremely significant and important to the LGBTQ+ community. Growing up gay, we are often made to feel like an abomination. Therefore, when we watch horror movies, we can identify with BOTH the monster and the final girl fighting for her life. Because, by our very nature, we ARE both.

Queer audiences can find validation and catharsis in horror films. And it’s because of the genre’s ability to reflect the fears, violence AND triumphs of the LGBTQ+ reality.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
QUEER SCREAMS is an “In Person” ONLY film festival with LIVE screenings. The festival proper is Saturday & Sunday, with a special theater sponsored genre (classic) screening Friday night. QSFF will present (but not be limited to): Live film screenings. Filmmaker’s Q&A. Special event screenings. Filmmaker brunch. Networking opportunities. Special guests. Filmmakers of selected films receive two complimentary festival badges for ALL (festival sponsored) film screenings and events.

ABOUT THE CLINTON STREET THEATER
A landmark of Portland cinema history, The Clinton Street Theater is one of the oldest operating movie houses in the United States. The Clinton Street Theater has always been about community. Famous for its long-standing exhibition of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, the theater is currently a magnet for independent/revival films, live music, theater productions, dance performances, sex positive theater & film, drag shows, comedy, burlesque, and more.

QUEER SCREAMS ACCEPTS ALL SUB-GENRES
Horror / Science Fiction / Fantasy / Thriller / Suspense / Action / Gothic / Horror Comedy / B-Movie / Campy Genre / Genre Documentary / Genre Music Video

It's time to scream, Queens!

Awards & Prizes

Best In Show (Feature or Short)
Best Director
Best Lead Performance
Best Supporting Performance
Best Writing
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Effects (Visual or Makeup)
Best Unproduced Screenplay

Rules & Terms

*[Please read the Rules & Terms BEFORE submitting]

TERMS:
By submitting to QUEER SCREAMS through FilmFreeway, you are stating that the work is original and owned by the submitter, and is not the subject of any disputes regarding ownership. You are also stating that there is no defamation, invasion of privacy, violation of rights of publicity, intellectual property infringement or similar violation of law.

You understand that your entry is valid only upon completion of the following conditions: (1) receipt of a copy of the work, (2) the processing of the entry fee by the festival organization, and (3) when the work is found to be original and owned by you or those you represent.

While we understand that you retain all rights to ownership of the work, if selected, you hereby give the QUEER SCREAMS permission to feature, advertise, display, in whole or in part, the work for festival purposes, including promotion.

SUBMISSION QUALIFIER:
Queer Screams Film Festival is an LGTBQ+ GENRE festival. That means, in order for a film/screenplay to be in consideration, it MUST be both:
1. A "Genre Film/Screenplay" (i.e. Horror/Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Thriller/Horror Comedy/Etc). NON-genre films/scripts will NOT be considered.
2. Made by LGBTQ+ identifying filmmakers/screenwriters OR present LGBTQ+ themes or a character who identifies as LGBTQ+. (Clarification: The subject matter of the film/screenplay does not have to be LGBTQ+ as long the major members of the creative team identify as LGBTQ+. Also, a film/screenplay with LGBTQ+ themes can be made by a “straight ally”.)
Please make sure that films qualify BEFORE submitting as submission fees are not refundable.

RULES:
1. All films must be submitted via online screener.
2. There is no completion date. QUEER SCREAMS accepts films from ANY YEAR.
3. NO Premiere Status required.
4. Feature films can have a distribution deal, but should not be available online prior to the festival dates.
5. Foreign films (in their original language) must be presented with English language subtitles.
6. Student rate submissions require proof of enrollment (during production). Entries by filmmakers under 18 years of age must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian.
7. The festival does not provide transportation or lodging for filmmakers.
8. QUEER SCREAMS does not pay screening fees.
9. Submission fees are non-refundable.

SUBMISSION FEE INFORMATION:
Detailed information on submission fees (and why film festivals charge them) can be found on the QUEER SCREAMS website on the SUBMIT Page.

26 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jason Potter

    Having the honor of being a filmmaker at the Queer Screams Film Festival was an amazing experience! I met some incredibly talented folks and loved finding other super dedicated fans of horror and LGBTQIA+ art. I came away from the festival inspired and excited to keep making horror movies! The organizers at Queer Screams did a great job of featuring a wonderfully diverse roster of queer genre/horror films. I felt like I got to be a part of something special and will definitely want to be a part of this festival for years to come. Highly recommended!

    September 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for the high recommendation, Jason! We definitely strive to create something special. Thank you for being a part of it.

  • Rubi Rock

    YASSSS!!! What a great festival Queer Screams is!!!! Its director, JT Seaton, is an awesome guy who made sure to keep us informed at all times. The communication was fantastic, and although we couldn’t attend to present our short film HADO, fellow filmmakers who did attend told us it was an extraordinary experience!! Thank you so much for including our film!!!!

    September 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Rubi! And thank you for allowing us to include your film. And we hope to provide extraordinary experiences year after year after year.

  • Lauren Norby

    A wonderful festival! I wasn't able to attend, but JT was very communicative and really made an effort to foster a sense of community, including putting filmmakers in touch with each other early on for coordinating travel and lodging. There was a lot of additional programing beyond film screenings, and they really just did a great job! Also, unique trailers for each block of films!

    September 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Lauren. And thanks for pointing out our efforts to foster community. It's very important to us. We were honored to screen your film.

  • Stu Silverman

    It was a true honor and a unique pleasure to be part of Queer Screams’ Class of 2024 — a diverse, inspiring, and inclusive celebration of LGBTQ+ genre cinema. Big congrats to Festival Director JT Seaton for a well curated and all-around wonderful gathering of artists and fans. We made so many new friends and met so many lovely people 🖤. As soon as I walked into the Clinton Street Theater and saw posters of Forbidden Zone, Frankenhooker, and Rocky Horror, I knew it was a special venue. Also, I was very surprised but delighted to have been awarded Best Editor for THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS. Long Live Queer Screams!

    September 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks for the amazing review! The Clinton Street Theater definitely is a magical place. Thank you for attending the festival. We are so very happy that you had an amazing time and met so many lovely people! Come back anytime! :-)

  • Seby X Martinez

    Thanks again for featuring our film! Hope we can participate again in the future!

    September 2024
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    Response from festival:

    We hope that you can participate again in the future too! The audience loved your film/pilot.