This festival emerged in 2020 through a partnership between the Tampa Bay International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (TIGLFF) and St. Pete Pride.

Driven by local trans+ community advocates and inspired by the Netflix documentary "Disclosure," the Tampa Bay Transgender Film Festival aims to foster positive awareness of transgender and gender non-conforming communities.

At its core, this festival centers around film to raise awareness and nurture community bonds. It acknowledges the urgent need to highlight the range of authenticity and experiences of the transgender and gender non-conforming community, recognizing the potential of media to entertain, empower, and enlighten (www.tiglff.com). Alongside our film screenings, we host local events that focus on elevating all forms of trans+ art and building positive community.

We embrace all forms of film and media that explore the themes of transgender and gender diversity. Films are meticulously chosen by a committee comprising local transgender and gender-diverse community members and showcased in-person throughout the weekend closest to Transgender Day of Visibility.

To learn more about the festival, keep up with events, or get involved, visit https://transfilmfest.eventive.org/welcome.

TBA

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.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • 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