The Newark LGBTQ Film Festival is now accepting submissions for its fourth annual event. They will be showcasing a diverse array of genres including short films, documentaries, experimental works, student projects, and a select number of feature-length films. It is scheduled to take place April 30–May 4, 2026. Last year’s event saw audience participation double.
The festival has a commitment to celebrating queer BIPOC films and filmmakers whose voices are often underrepresented in mainstream media. The mission is to uplift stories that are of interest to, inclusive of, and created by the LGBTQ community — especially those from BIPOC creators in Newark and across New Jersey.
A recent movie goer said, “This event was so special and so well done my partner and I are still raving about it. We were able to get the buy one get one free tickets too. It was so incredible to have four date nights for the price of an incredibly cheap one! We are officially making this event a tradition for us and will be returning every year, hopefully with lots of friends next year!”
“The Newark LGBTQ film fest is such a great festival,” said Lisa Thomas, director of The Misadventures of Buckey and Beane, one of 2025’s film makers. “The organizers were beyond welcoming. The audience was super receptive; there was amazing hospitality and really good vibes all around. I even made some industry connections which I did not expect. I’d absolutely recommend this festival to other filmmakers.”
“We are excited to continue elevating the work of BIPOC queer filmmakers,” said Denise Hinds, the festival director. In 2025 there were many actors and creatives from Newark, New Jersey, and the rest of the country in attendance. The festival is a true labor of love, she stressed. “And that beautifully brings together the queer community and our allies,” said Hines. “We are excited to uplift these artists’ work.”
Submission Details:
Submit your film via FilmFreeway Newark LGBTQ Film Festival – FilmFreeway:
- Early Bird Deadline: Dec. 18, 2025
- Regular Deadline: Jan. 21, 2026
- Late Deadline: Feb. 11, 2026
- Notification Date: March 7, 2026
- Festival Dates: April 30 – May 4, 2026
newarklgbtqcenter.org/newarklgbtqfilmfestival
