Reel Queer Film Festival logo
Opens Oct 1

Reel Queer Film Festival

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72201, UNITED STATES
AUG 27-30, 2026
12 YEARS RUNNING
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Deadlines

OCT 1, 2026Opens
DEC 31, 2026Early Bird
APR 30, 2027Regular Deadline
MAY 15, 2027Late Deadline

About festival

DCP PreferredCompletion date requirement: 2021

Reel Queer Film Festival

The Reel Queer Film Festival is a celebration of LGBTQ+ films, filmmakers, and stories from around the world. With a mission to provide innovative, unique, and diverse programming we hope to engage the hearts and minds of audiences in Arkansas and the surrounding region.

Reel Queer observes the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community by presenting stories that reflect, document, and celebrate LGBTQ+ lives truthfully and with respect. The festival demonstrates the power of storytelling and filmmaking to transform lives of those inside and outside the LGBTQ+ community.

Some of our guests in previous years included Armistead Maupin (The Untold Tales of Armistead Maupin), Cheryl Dunye (The Watermelon Woman), Luka Kain (Saturday Church), Assaad Yacoub (Cherry Pop), Stephen Cone (Princess Cyd), Del Shores (Sordid Lives), Vera Drew (The People's Joker), and Annapurna Sriram (F*CKTOYS).

Trailer

Festival Amenities

Swag BagsCateringFilmmaker EventsQ&A SessionsAfter PartiesAll Access BadgesComplimentary TicketsSocial Media Spotlight

Accepted Content

Genres:
ActionAdventureAnimationBiographyComedyCrime
DocumentaryDramaFamilyFantasyHistoryHorrorWesternThrillerWarScience FictionRomanceMysteryMusical
Sub-Genres:
LGBTQ+Human RightsPoliticalSocial IssuesSocial ImpactFeminist
Film Types:
AnimationExperimentalNon-FictionDocumentaryNarrative
Categories:
Short FilmFeature FilmShot On FilmMicroshortMicrobudgetMicro
DocumentaryDigital MicrobudgetDigitalCommercial

Submission Categories

Narrative Features

A scripted film that tells a fictional or dramatized story through performances, dialogue, and cinematic storytelling in 40 minutes or more.

Fee: $30Deadline: December 31, 2026
Type: Film

Documentary Features

All non-fiction films lasting 40 minutes or longer exploring real people, events, issues, or subjects through interviews, archival footage, observational filmmaking, and other documentary storytelling techniques.

Fee: $30Deadline: December 31, 2026
Type: Film

Narrative Shorts

A scripted film that tells a fictional or dramatized story through performances, dialogue, and cinematic storytelling in less than 40 minutes.

Fee: $10Deadline: December 31, 2026
Type: Film

Documentary Shorts

All non-fiction films exploring real people, events, issues, or subjects through interviews, archival footage, observational filmmaking, and other documentary storytelling techniques in less than 40 minutes

Fee: $10Deadline: December 31, 2026
Type: Film

Student Showcase

Short films of any genre or origin that have been completed by a student filmmaker or a filmmaker that has graduated within the two years prior to submission. (Must submit proof).

Fee: $0Deadline: December 31, 2026
Type: Film

Made in Arkansas

Only for films made in the state of Arkansas. At least 75% of the movie must have been filmed in the state of Arkansas to qualify for submission in this category. If film is determined not to meet the qualification of this category, the entry will be disqualified.

Fee: $0Deadline: December 31, 2026
Type: Film

Experimental Shorts

An experimental short film prioritizes artistic expression, innovation, and exploration of form over traditional narrative conventions. Experimental shorts may utilize unconventional storytelling techniques, abstract imagery, non-linear structures, or unique audiovisual approaches to create distinctive cinematic experiences and challenge audience perceptions.

Fee: $10Deadline: December 31, 2026
Type: Film

Festival Team

MW

Molly Wheat

Executive Director

SS

Shayden Smith

Director of Programming

Contact

reelqueerfilm.orgInstagram pageFacebook pagefilmfreeway.comprogramming@reelqueerfilm.org

Festival Rules

DCP PreferredCompletion date requirement: 2021

Release of Liability:

Reel Queer Film Festival (Kaleidoscope Arts and Culture) is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen items, including films in any medium, while en-route or in our possession, on or off of festival grounds.

Runtimes:

Runtimes: Short Films are any films under 40 minutes in length. Feature films will be considered those that are over 40 minutes.

Digital Screener Requirement:

Only digital online screener submissions are accepted. Physical copies of films may not be submitted in person or by mail unless otherwise approved by the Executive Director or Director of Programming.

English Language/Caption Requirement:

All films submitted must be in English dialogue or contain onscreen English subtitles. The festival reserves the right to disqualify any film that does not meet this requirement.

Multiple Submissions Allowed:

More than one entry may be submitted. Each must be submitted with its own entry form and fee.

Copyright/Trademark Attestation:

It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to obtain all necessary copyrights. By submitting the film you maintain you have obtained all necessary rights for exhibition.

Works in Progress:

Works in progress may be submitted but it must be stated on the application. If selected it is the responsibility of the Applicant to ensure the completed version arrives to the festival before the festival begins.

No Distribution Restrictions:

Films may have distribution.

No Refunds:

All submissions are final. No refunds are provided.

Scheduling:

Films are scheduled at the discretion of Reel Queer. Reel Queer retains the right to make changes to the published schedule at any time and for any reason. Films may be screened more than once. Short films may be screened at subsequent screenings for up 12 months. Every effort will be made to contact the filmmaker before a screening that occurs outside of the Kaleidoscope festival dates.

Authorization of Use & Indemnification:

Reel Queer is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes. The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless Kaleidoscope Arts & Culture from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.