Queer Expression Film Fest

The Queer Expression Film Fest (QE Film Fest) is Open Space Arts’ year-round film initiative celebrating bold, intimate, and adventurous queer cinema from around the world. Through curated screenings, Chicago premieres, filmmaker conversations, and special events, QE Film Fest creates space for stories that expand how queer lives, identities, and experiences are represented on screen.

Our programming highlights independent and international queer films—work that is personal, daring, playful, political, and emotionally resonant—and brings them into conversation with engaged Chicago audiences. We regularly partner with Facets Film Forum to present new queer feature films, often as Chicago premieres, alongside curated short- and mid-length programs.

The mission of the Queer Expression Film Fest is to amplify queer storytelling in all its complexity while fostering meaningful connections between filmmakers and audiences. We champion new and under-seen work, support independent artists, and celebrate queer expression in all its forms.

The Queer Expression Film Fest accepts submissions in multiple categories, including competitive programs and special in-person screenings.

We welcome short, mid-length, and feature-length queer films for consideration in our Best of the Fest programs. Selected films may be presented as curated theatrical screenings, streaming programs, or both.

General Run Times

• Short Films: under 20 minutes 
• Mid-Length Films: 21–59 minutes 
• Feature Films: 60 minutes or longer

Regular Deadline for Best of the Fest submissions:  January 25, 2026 

We are also seeking feature-length queer films (60+ minutes) for one-night-only, in-person screenings at Facets Film Forum. These screenings serve as Chicago premieres and may include filmmaker Q&As or post-screening discussions.  There is no submission deadline for feature films being considered for live, in-person screenings at Facets Film Forum. 

What does “Chicago premiere” mean?
A Chicago premiere means the film has not previously screened publicly in the Chicago area, including prior festival, theatrical, or museum screenings.

All submissions are accepted via FilmFreeway:
https://filmfreeway.com/QueerExpression

For in-person feature screenings at Facets Film Forum, please use the fee-waiver code:
INPERSON2026