Tampa Bay Transgender Film Festival is the centerpiece of TIGLFF's Trans Pride. Driven by local trans community advocates and inspired by the Netflix documentary Disclosure, the Tampa Bay Transgender Film Festival was originally created in 2026 to foster positive awareness of transgender and gender nonconforming communities.

At its core, this pride celebration centers around film as a way to raise awareness and nurture community connection. It recognizes the urgent need to highlight the full range of lived experiences within the transgender and gender nonconforming community, and the power of media to Entertain, Empower, and Enlighten. Alongside film screenings, the festival hosts local events that elevate trans culture and art while creating space for gathering, celebration, and community care.

We embrace all forms of film and media that explore themes of transgender and gender diversity. Films and events are thoughtfully curated by a committee of local transgender and gender diverse community members and are shared both in person and online throughout the weekend of Transgender Day of Visibility.

Awards & Prizes

TBA

Rules & Terms

Film Submission Requirements

1. Films should include a theme of transgender and gender diversity. We are seeking narrative, documentary, experimental, and animated films and videos (both features and shorts) on DCP, digital download, hard drive, and BluRay or DVD if necessary.

2. Any film selected MUST have English captioning to screen during the festival.

3. By submitting your work to The Tampa Bay Transgender Film Festival, housed by The Tampa Bay International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (TIGLFF), you grant Friends of the Festival, Inc. a nonexclusive license to use an excerpt of your submission tape of up to two minutes in length, for promotional purposes only, including but not limited to internet and television broadcast.

Additional Information & Preferences:

Still photos of your work are requested with your submission for all films selected for the festival. Good stills make a difference in film placement and press coverage, particularly for shorts. Even the shortest short can get press coverage or festival prominence with a captivating, high-quality still image.

You are also strongly encouraged to enclose a synopsis, production credits, and press information regarding your film.
4 Reviews
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  • Gabe Gabriel

    What a wonderful, supportive team - we were honoured to premiere our trans short film, DREAD, at the fest, and walked away with the Audience Favourite Narrative Short Award! Thanks to the organisers and programmers for having us - we hope this'll be the first partnership of many.

    April 2026
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  • Suzanne Procter

    Another festival that we would love to have gone to but budget constraints made it impossible. However, we loved being in touch with the team and felt like we were there in spirit if not in person. Now, more than ever, Trans stories and visibility are so important, so a huge thank you for letting us be a part of the festival this year. Keep fighting the fight! From your friends across the pond, Greg and Suzanne

    April 2026
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  • Lucia Frangione

    Tampa Bay were absolutely lovely to deal with: professional, clear, encouraging. We loved this experience and we were honoured to participate. Thank you, from the Room for the Rest short film team.

    April 2026
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  • G. Chesler

    Outstanding! Tampa Bay Transgender Film Festival is an absolute gem of a festival that draws a vibrant community of trans and queer film enthusiasts, artists, and activists to this special enclave in St Pete. This feels like a unique festival - over three days in a single theater - which becomes a hub for trans folks in conversation and celebration. As a visiting filmmaker, most people will know who you are before you get there and appreciate your attendance. My Q&A was dynamic. The projection was excellent. And I was able to connect with more audience members after the screening the next day at the Trans Picnic. I stayed for the full festival and watched most of the films (the programming is excellent) including the opening and closing parties. I truly hope to come back soon!

    April 2025
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