Each October, Reel Q hosts a 10-day film festival in Pittsburgh, PA celebrating LGBTQ films from acorss the world. Now in our 36th year, we are Pittsburgh's longest running film festival, the 5th oldest LGBTQ+ film festival in the United States, and 6th oldest in the world. We program approximately 20 locally first-run LGBTQ-themed full-length films and 30 to 40 short films ranging from comedies, dramas, and documentaries.

Awards & Prizes

• Audience Favorite: Narrative Feature
• Audience Favorite: Documentary
• Audience Favorite: Shot Film

No Prizes

Rules & Terms

•The Reel Q submission DEADLINE is June 30, 2021

•DVD, Blu-Ray or online link are the only media accepted for preview. All submissions must be labeled on the disk and case with the title, running time, filmmaker’s name, contact phone number and email address.

•Rough cuts and works-in-progress are eligible for submission only if an exhibition print is available by June 30, 2021.

•Accepted categories are Narrative shorts and feature length, Documentaries, Experimental and Animation.

•Film and video works in languages other than English must be subtitled.

•In addition to your submission, please send photos, stills and press kits, reviews or other publicity materials you may have. Photos may be used for promotion or used for the REEL Q Web site and program guide. REEL Q must be notified in writing of any press or photo restrictions. Photos can also be emailed as attachments in JPEG format to films@reelq.org.

•Final program decisions will be made by August 24, 2021, and notifications will be emailed.

•Reel Q does not pay rental fees for submitted works programmed into the festival.

•Shipment of exhibition materials to Reel Q must be paid by the applicant. Reel Q accepts no responsibility for loss or damage of programmed exhibition materials during shipment to or from the festival. In case of loss or damage during the festival, the responsibility of Reel Q is limited to the costs for repair or replacement of the print.

•Return shipment of exhibition materials will be paid for by Reel Q.

•Entering a film or video indicates the acceptance of Reel Q submission guidelines and requirements.

7 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Charles Dudoignon-Valade

    A very fine festival indeed! So glad and honored my film So long, Paris was selected. Too bad I could not attend physically. Thousand special thanks again to the team :)

    October 2020
    Helpful
  • Krissy Mahan

    Although online, I felt included because of the communication, quick responses to email, and the generally upbeat nature of the event. I hope to be included again in the coming years. Thanks, Reel Q!

    October 2020
    Helpful
  • Ashlei Shyne

    I wanted to thank Reel Q: Pittsburgh LGBTQ+ Film Festival for elevating the voices of Black filmmakers and Black LBGTQ+ stories. I had the honor of screening in the Black Excellence category and all the films were amazing and covered the African Diaspora. I haven't seen this done outside of Black LGBTQ+ Festivals. Thank you! As a Black Bisexual Filmmaker I felt seen, and I hope you continue to elevate BIPOC voices within the community. Blessings

    October 2020
    Helpful
  • Sierra Schepmann

    I was selected as a Semi-finalist, but apparently that didn't mean I was in the festival. I'm sure it's a wonderful event and has good films, I was just left a little befuddled receiving a "Congratulations, you're accepted!" email from FilmFreeway but... not being in the festival. Still an honor to make the final rounds. Hope the festival went well! :)

    November 2019
    Helpful
  • Birds of Paradise

    A great festival featuring unique queer perspectives. We were so happy to be selected to play in the shorts section. Communication was great and the festival seemed to run smoothly.

    November 2019
    Helpful