A CELEBRATION OF ALL THINGS QUEER

Launched in 2018 as #SafeSpace, Rainbow Fest is a one-of-a-kind showcase of underrepresented voices that has raised funds for deserving organizations such as Trans Lifeline, Brave Space Alliance, Planned Parenthood, and more.

Previous hosts include Meg Stalter (Hacks), Robyn Coffin (Chicago Fire), Maya May (The Lincoln Project), Scott Duff (Out Chicago) and more

Vol 1: Featuring Robyn Coffin (Chicago Fire), works by Amina Henry, Caridad Svich and Jennifer Maisel, with live music by Sarah Holtschlag

Vol 2: Featuring Scott Duff (Host of Out Chicago), the premieres of Birds of a Feather and Last Night on Earth, with comedian Malic White (Candyman)

Vol 3: Host Meg Stalter (Hacks), the premiere of Pink Orchids, and music by Mikel Brown
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Vol 4: Featuring Maya May (The Lincoln Project), Malic White, Meg Stalter.

Awards & Prizes

Best Feature
Best Short
Best Performer in a Leading Role
Best Performer in a Supporting Role
Best Director
Best Screenplay

Additional categories may be added based on submissions.

Rules & Terms

All genres and content types are welcome. Your film should feature queer identities, but that doesn't have to be the main focus. We love to see our queers in genre films just as much as romance.

1. There is no guarantee of acceptance, and submission fees are non-refundable.
2. Non-English films must include English subtitles. These are welcome for English-language productions as well.
3. Short films must be shorter than 55 minutes. Features must be longer than 55 minutes.
4. There are no requirements regarding previous screenings or when your film was produced.
5. Films are scheduled at our discretion. We retain the right to make changes to the published schedule at any time and for any reason.

RELEASE: RAINBOW FEST is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes. The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The submitter shall indemnify and hold harmless RFCHI from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney’s fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening materials entered.