After the success of our extended fifth edition, OFN Film Festival continues to grow. The next celebration of LGBTQIA+ stories takes place from 6-9 November 2025.
Brought to you by Lex Melony and LEXME.RED, this event promises greater diversity and engagement.
Throughout the festival, guests will enjoy a selection of short and feature films. Selected films will be announced during the open entries stage, while nominees will be unveiled four weeks before the festival at a special announcement event. Full details will be available in the official program.
OFN offers an immersive cinematic experience that amplifies underrepresented voices, showcasing queer stories from global filmmakers.
The festival’s selections explore themes of coming out, self-discovery, love, relationships, and the unique challenges of the LGBTQIA+ community. Chosen for their artistic quality and storytelling, these films provide insight into queer experiences. Winners will receive award statues, recognizing their creativity and dedication.
OFN is inclusive of all gender identities and sexual orientations, creating a space for self-expression and celebration within the queer community.
Panels & Networking
Industry panels will feature discussions on filmmaking and LGBTQIA+ topics, including masterclasses, workshops, a queer art fair, and extensive networking opportunities.
Partners & Sponsors
As an independent, self-funded event, OFN relies on the support of partners and sponsors to bring this festival to life.
The Opening Night, screenings, and Awards Ceremony will take place across multiple venues in London from 6-9 November 2025 (dates subject to change). Stay updated via OFN’s official website and social media.
The winners of the OFN Film Festival will receive digital award certificates.
Awards will be presented in 27 categories + Special Cash Prize from LEXME for Best Fluid Story.
MAIN CATEGORIES
* Best Fluid Feature Film
* Best Fluid Short Film
* Best Fluid Feature Documentary
* Best Fluid Short Documentary
* Best Fluid Animated Film
* Best Fluid British Short Film
* Best Fluid UK Student Film
* Best Fluid International Student Film
* Best Fluid Music Video
NOW & NEXT CATEGORIES
* Best Fluid Micro-Short Film
* Queer Digital Creator of the Year
* Best Fluid Web Series or Episodic Content
* Best Drag Storytelling on Screen
ARTISTRY CATEGORIES
* Best Director – Feature Film
* Best Director – Short Film
* Best Performance – Feature Film
* Best Performance – Short Film
* Best Cinematography – Feature Film
* Best Cinematography – Short Film
* Best Sound Design – Short Film
* Best Set & Costume Design – Short Film
SPECIALTY CATEGORIES
* Best Heartbeat Short Film
* Best Dark Thrill Short Film
* Best Ethereal Short Film
* Best Flame Short Film
* Best Beyond Borders Short Film
* Best Underground Short Film
AWARD DISTRIBUTION
All awards will be disbursed within 14 working days after the winners are announced.
FESTIVAL DETAILS
1. Officially selected projects will be presented throughout the submission period until the notification date (four weeks before the event).
2. All selected projects will be eligible for screening in the online version of the OFN Film Festival.
3. Nominees will be announced two weeks before the festival’s opening at a special announcement event.
4. All nominees will be eligible for screening online and/or in the cinema.
5. Each category winner will receive an OFN digital certificate with official verification and a digital copy of the OFN laurel.
6. The winner of the special award from LEXME.RED – "Best Fluid Story" – will receive a £1000 cash prize.
7. Winners are chosen from all nominees and judged by the OFN jury panel through remote voting in advance.
8. If a winner is absent during the award ceremony, OFN will send their certificate via post.