Reel Out Charlotte is the Queen City's annual LGBTQ film festival and a program of Charlotte Pride. Our film festival showcases the best in LGBTQ-themed short, documentary and feature-length films each year. Charlotte Pride is the leader in LGBTQ visibility in Charlotte and the Carolinas. Since its founding in 2000, Charlotte Pride has expanded its year-round programming and partnerships to better connect community members with its mission, vision, and values. It is now one of the largest LGBTQ Pride organizations in the American Southeast.

Reel Out Charlotte is one of Charlotte’s premier arts and cultural events, which has brought thousands of attendees together to celebrate the artistic, cultural, and historical contributions of LGBTQ and ally individuals, all through the power of film. Each year, we work to strengthen our program by expanding the diversity and subject matter of the films we show. In addition, to enhance the overall experience for filmgoers, we have introduced new features to engage our community, including our new audience awards and free admission events to educational film screenings and panel discussions.

Awards & Prizes

Best Short Film - Viewers' Choice ($500 prize)
Best Short Film - Jury Award ($200 prize)

Rules & Terms

1) Submissions must be about or of interest to the LGBTQ community.
2) We suggest that Running Time be about 17 minutes or less from beginning titles to ending credits for short films; at least 60 minutes running time for feature-length films.
3) Deadline: March 1, 2026. Notification: April 1, 2026
4) Works-in-progress and rough cuts will not be accepted. Work must have been completed with in the 4 last years.
5) Fees: $45 per submission for short films; $75 per submission for feature-length films.
We hope that your submission includes "burned in" English closed captions in DCP file format.
Reel Out Charlotte will not pay screening fees for any submissions.

For all inquiries, please contact lupe@charlottepride.org
10 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Hailey Vest

    Thank you so much ReelOut Charlotte for having us! Not only was the venue and programing incredible but the staff and every volunteer were personable, warm, and made our experience what it was. Would highly recommend.

    May 2026
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  • Vitória Fallavena

    I’m so happy that my film was part of the ReelOut Charlotte Film Festival. The organization and communication were wonderful, and the team created such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Unfortunately, I couldn’t be there in person this time, but I’m truly grateful for the experience and I hope to attend in future editions!

    September 2025
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  • Tony Bracy

    Our team is so honored to have been a part of this wonderful festival with such a great community of people. Thank you so very much for everything! We are so grateful and had an amazing time!

    May 2025
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  • Rafael Albarran

    Absolutely loved my experience at this festival their entire staff was so attentive and lovely and treat us from start to finish with absolute care and pride. Thank you for everything. Can’t wait to come back!

    May 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for coming! So glad you had a great experience!

  • Jacob Roberts

    Wonderful festival. Excellent communication. Thank you for including Half in this year's line-up. I hope to come back in the future, and highly recommend submitting!

    May 2022
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