Safflicks runs three annual Sapphic Film Festivals in partnership with Lesflicks. Founded in 2022 by Naomi Bennett, who has been running sapphic film festivals in the UK both in-person and virtually since 2016, our mission is to showcase authentic lesbian and bisexual shorts, features and series while supporting filmmakers by bringing their sapphic stories to a sapphic audience. After all festivals took a hiatus in 2024 and 2025, we are returning in 2026 with festivals for Women’s History Month (March), Pride Month (June), and our main October festival. With everything happening in the LGBTQ+ space, creating visibility for sapphic stories and nurturing a sense of community and connection has never been more vital.
SAFFLICKS FILM FESTIVAL
A one month hybrid festival of sapphic film showcasing lesbian & bisexual stories from across the world on the big screen and virtual via the Lesflicks platform.
WHAT WE ARE SEEKING
We are seeking up to 30 shorts, features and series which shows women loving women on screen, either a lesbian or bisexual storyline; or that portrays a cis, trans or non-binary lesbian, bisexual, asexual, polysexual character as a strong supporting character.
ELIGIBLE SUBMISSIONS
Film submissions are accepted by anyone who is creating authentic, positive sapphic storylines that show women (non-binary and trans-inclusive) loving women on screen.
2026 FESTIVAL DATES
1-30 June 2026 virtual (incorporating pride month – with a nod towards the upcoming non-binary visibilty on 14 July)
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THE HISTORY OF OUR SAFFLICKS PRIDE FILM FEST
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The Safflicks Pride Film Fest started during the pandemic when we wanted to help bring our community together to combat social isolation and share their love of sapphic films at at a time that can be extremely lonely for many as the Xmas, then Festive Film Fest.
> 2020: Lesflicks Xmas Film Fest - virtual
> 2021: Lesflicks Festive Film Fest - virtual
> 2022: Safflicks Festive Film Fest - hybrid
> 2024: Safflicks Pride Film Fest
In 2020, 2021 and 2022 this festival ran during the festive period. In 2023 we didn't have the resource as it is very close to our main Safflicks Film Festival and also we wanted to allow the team to have some well-deserved time off. As such, we have moved this festival to June.
Find out more about Lesflicks here: https://www.lesflicks.com
Safflicks LGBT History Month Film Festival (February): https://filmfreeway.com/SafflicksLGBTHM
Safflicks Women's Film Festival (March): https://filmfreeway.com/SafflicksWHM
Safflicks Film Festival (October): https://filmfreeway.com/SaFFlicksFilmFestival
OFFICIAL SELECTIONS
All festival selections will receive:
> official selection laurel
> promotional artwork to support their submission
> invitation to record a fireside chat/Q&A as part of the festival
> 1 hour consultancy with Naomi Bennett to discuss the current distribution landscape, to maximise the filmmakers potential of a successful distribution
2026 FESTIVAL AWARDS
Audience awards (as voted for by the audience members):
- Best short
- Best webseries
- Best feature
- Best of Fest
Award winners will be announced in late July.