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
Queer horror holds significant cultural weight. It allows us to examine themes of otherness, identity, and societal anxieties in a unique and often cathartic way. Through monsters, ghosts, and the uncanny, these films provide space for marginalized voices to reclaim narratives and challenge dominant perspectives.

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.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
QUEER SCREAMS is an “In Person” ONLY film festival. There is NO online version or virtual aspect of the fest. QS will present (but not be limited to): In-person film screenings. Filmmaker’s Q&A. Special event screenings. Filmmaker's brunch. Networking opportunities. Special guests. Local vendors. Filmmakers of selected films receive two complimentary festival badges. Screenwriting Finalists receive one complimentary festival badge.

Each year we invite a very special guest to receive the Queer Screams Career Achievement Award: Honoring Significant Contribution to Queer Horror Cinema & Culture. Previous recipients include: Don Mancini (2025). Joshua Grannell a.k.a. Peaches Christ (2024). Sam Irvin (2023).

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.

37 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jack Warren

    Great film festival - very communicative and they go the extra mile in terms of publicity and programming. Would recommend!!

    August 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Hey Jack. Thanks for the review. We wish that you could have joined us in person. But there's always next year. :-)

  • Zack Ogle

    Thanks so much JT and the whole team for an excellent festival experience! Our crew had such a great time and can’t wait to be back.

    August 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks Zack! We were so honored to screen IT NEEDS EYES. And we can't wait to see what you guys create next! Definitely keep us in the loop! :-)

  • Tim Koomen

    Great chance to screen our movie Binary! Communication was very clear, it felt like a tigh knit genre community that really celebrates and embraces horror. Very happy to be part of the lineup and to be winning an award for Best Cinematography!

    August 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks for the review, Tim. You will definitely have to come out to Portland next time!!!

  • Jack Walterman

    Welcoming, entertaining, and encouraging! Everyone working and attending was approachable and excited to support each other. The addition of live performances from local artists and drag performers was a fun way to celebrate a weekend of excellent Queer Horror. VIP Guest, Don Mancini, was so generous with his time and wisdom -- very deserving of the Career Achievement Award! Thank you, JT, for putting together such a successful film festival! 

    August 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks for the glowing review, Jack. It blesses us when people see and understand what we are trying to create with Queer Screams. :-) And Don Mancini was AMAZING! We are excited to see (or read) your next project.

  • Aaron Immediato

    Thank you for screening my film "The Last Story on Earth" and presenting a weekend of amazing queer horror films! It was wonderful to attend the festival and connect with everyone!

    August 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for coming, Aaron. We are so glad that you had a wonderful time.