In late spring from May 1-4, 2025, the Newark LGBTQ Film Festival will be returning for it’s third year. The festival is the first of its kind in New Jersey as it focuses on queer BIPOC stories which a lot of times get overlooked by mainstream entertainment outlets. This gives the chance for stories and filmmakers that get pushed to the side to really have an opportunity to shine.
Filmmakers from around the world are now able to submit projects to the festival’s page on the FilmFreeway website. Various sorts of productions, from short films to documentaries, are all accepted for entry. A few full length feature films also are shown throughout the weekend.
Returning to New Jersey’s largest city after the success of last year’ festival will be fabulous say organizers. The Newark LGBTQ film festival will partner with Express Newark’s community media center and Paramount’s Content For Change to give artistic development assistance to two filmmakers.
A $5,000 grant provided by Paramount’s Content For Change will be given to the filmmakers to create two short films in honor of Sakia Gunn. Gunn’s legacy was a huge driving force for this festival coming to be three years ago. She was a black queer woman who was brutally murdered in Newark.
The festival prides itself on having films showcased that represent people who are underrepresented and face deep oppression. It is what makes this festival so different and special. The stories featured in the films are meant to empower and allow the LGBTQ community to be seen and to know they can be exactly who they are.
The links are below for filmmakers to submit their projects and to apply for the opportunity to receive one of the grants to produce a short.
filmfreeway.com/NewarkLGBTQFilmFestival
newarklgbtqcenter.org/newarklgbtqfilmfestival
