We have Stories on Screen and On Stage that represent our LGBTQ+ community at large.

OVERVIEW:
We are an LGBTQ+ focused film festival screening high-quality short films, which accurately and positively represent the LGBTQ+ Community. We seek independent and union projects from all genres, from all countries. We also seek Non-Queer Films with main characters and/or supporting characters who identify as LGBTQ+.

We create 2-hour, themed blocks of films, including audience favorites RATED Q, PURE.QUEER.JOY., and DRAG ME TO THE CINEMA. At least one block includes LIVE drag routines INSIDE the theater.

ANNUAL IN-PERSON FESTIVAL DETAILS:
Our 2-day in-person Film Festival includes a Friday Night GAYLA at Signia by Hilton and a day-long festival at AMC Saratoga 14.

Unique to most queer film festivals, we integrate Queer Performing Artists into our programs. This is our way of providing our guests, artists, and participating filmmakers a queerly joyful & engaging experience.

All Official Selections will be announced on/before our respective Notification date(s).

All Submissions will be judged by credited filmmakers / Film Producers and eligible for awards.

Awards & Prizes

Awards will be provided during our annual, in-person film festival. ALL Official Selections throughout the year are eligible for an award. Awards will be given in the following categories:

Best Short Film (LGBTQ+ film OR film with Queer Content)
Best Director
(new) Best First Time Filmmaker
(new) Best Student Film
(new) Best Cinematography
Best Original Story
Best Performance

Awards will also be provided in the following Sub-Categories, pending there are at minimum five (5) total submissions that identify with the sub-category:

Best Experimental Film*
Best Horror Film*
Best Comedy Film*
Best Drama Film*
Best Animation Film*
Best Documentary*

Digital Certificates/Awards will be distributed via electronic mail to all Finalists and Winners.
Laurels will be available to all Finalists and Winners.
Printed Certificates/Awards will be made available to filmmakers who attend the in-person festival.

Rules & Terms

All films are eligible, regardless if they have distribution or not.
All films are eligible even if they have been accepted to other film festivals.
All films must have been completed on/after January 1, 2023.
All films must include English subtitles (unless the spoken language is English).
Short Films must not be longer than 50 minutes in length.

By submitting your film, you agree that:
1. Silicon Valley Queer Film Festival can use parts of your film (including trailer/teaser/film poster) for promotional purpose.
2. Submission fees are non-refundable.
3. You own all the rights to the film.
4. You cannot withdraw your submission after the official selection announcement of each round.

If your film becomes an Official Selection, your film and its features will be considered for awards.

We accept .mp4 or .mov file. We encourage and welcome Closed Captions files. We do NOT accept DCP format unless requested. Once Selected, we will contact you to acquire your film via FilmFreeway download request or via electronic transfer.

Silicon Valley Queer Film Festival is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film Officially Selected and accepted for exhibition during our online events and/or in-person 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 Silicon Valley Queer Film Festival 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 films entered.

Each submission is not guaranteed an Official Selection.
19 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Alex King

    Silicon Valley Queer Film Fest was a blast! I highly recommend it to any aspiring LGBTQ+ filmmakers and to anyone who wants to support the community.

    March 2026
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  • Nandini Bapat

    Excellent festival with amazing communication and support! Our film and team were welcomed with open arms and I thank SVQFF for their kindess and hospitality!!

    February 2026
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  • Ross Berkeley Simpson

    Absolutely loved this festival! Our short film Hollow was nominated and we received nothing but fantastic support from the festival. From encouraging chats about the film world, to introducing us to people who the festival thought we'd work well with, they have done the extra mile in making us feel welcome and creating a unique and wonderful event. Big thanks to Robby - an inspirational leader.

    February 2026
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  • B N

    I had an amazing time at SVQFF. As a growing festival, the programming was top-notch, showcasing powerful queer films at a moment when those voices are actively being silenced. I’m honored that Tenderheart was included among such strong work, and deeply grateful to have received Best Drama and Best Performances. Beyond the screenings, it truly felt like a community, with meaningful connections and clear, thoughtful communication from the festival team. I’m excited to see SVQFF continue to grow and will absolutely be submitting again.

    February 2026
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  • J. Andrew

    As a director and producer, I really appreciated all of the clear communication and thoughtful touches that Robby and his team put together to make this such a successful festival, and to bring queer films to Silicon Valley and the South Bay. We were honored to have our film, UNBREAKING, win Best Student Film. I would happily submit to this festival again.

    February 2025
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