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.
Our Mission
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.
Film Submissions
The Queer Expression Film Fest accepts submissions in multiple categories, including competitive programs and special in-person screenings.
Best of the Fest — Competitive Programs
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
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.
FAQ
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.
Call for Volunteer Film Screeners
QUEER EXPRESSION Film Fest is seeking volunteer screeners to join our film-selection team and help review queer films from around the world.
We’re looking for film lovers, programmers, artists, educators, critics, and engaged community members who enjoy watching independent cinema and supporting LGBTQIA+ filmmakers. Volunteer screeners will view a small number of submitted films and provide ratings and brief feedback based on established criteria such as storytelling, craft, originality, and representation.
Please note: To ensure fairness and avoid conflicts of interest, volunteer film screeners may not submit their own films to the festival during the year they serve as screeners.
This is a meaningful opportunity to:
- Discover new queer films before public release
- Contribute to a respected, community-based film festival
- Help elevate underrepresented voices in LGBTQIA+ cinema
👉 Interested? Please complete this short form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-x49oDz6x0LB0bHUw4nFcg3JX1-8rXsLY-k-u5we4m4/edit
