Now in its 32nd year, the Long Beach QFilm Festival continues to shine a powerful spotlight on LGBTQ+ storytelling through independent film. Taking place September 4–7, 2025, this beloved cultural event will unfold across multiple venues in Long Beach, inviting cinephiles and allies to connect over stories that challenge, inspire, and reflect the diverse LGBTQ+ experience.

A Long Beach Tradition of Bold, Queer Cinema

 

Founded in the early 1990s, the QFilm Festival has grown from a grassroots celebration into one of Southern California’s most respected showcases for LGBTQ+ film. With over three decades of curation, the festival has introduced audiences to groundbreaking shorts, documentaries, and features that often go overlooked in mainstream cinema.

Whether you’re a longtime festival-goer or attending for the first time, expect a welcoming environment built around community and conversation. Past attendees have praised the event not just for its diverse film lineup, but also for its intimate, neighborhood feel—where filmmakers mingle with viewers, and each screening becomes a shared experience.

More Than Just Screenings

 

This year’s program will again feature post-film Q&As, panel discussions, and filmmaker receptions—offering attendees a chance to engage more deeply with the creative minds behind the screen. While the full film lineup is still under wraps, past years have included everything from festival-circuit darlings to deeply local indie gems.

In addition to the films, the QFilm Festival experience includes a rich social scene. Think rooftop mixers, courtyard lounges, and afterparties where attendees can debrief, network, and celebrate. These events are more than fun—they’re vital opportunities for connection in a cultural landscape where LGBTQ+ representation still matters.

A National Movement, a Local Legacy

 

The Long Beach QFilm Festival arrives at a time when LGBTQ+ rights and representation remain in the national spotlight. Across the country, queer filmmakers continue to push boundaries and expand visibility through art—making festivals like this more urgent and resonant than ever.

By anchoring itself in community venues and embracing both international and hyperlocal stories, the festival reminds us that queer cinema doesn’t just reflect the world—it shapes it. And Long Beach, with its rich LGBTQ+ history and progressive spirit, remains the perfect host.

Whether you're catching a feature film, chatting with a director, or just soaking in the vibe, the QFilm Festival promises a weekend of discovery, celebration, and pride.

 

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Event Details

 

Long Beach QFilm Festival
• 📅 Date: September 4–7, 2025
• 🕒 Time: Varies by screening
• 📍 Location: Multiple venues across Long Beach
• 🎟️ Admission: Typically via ticketed screenings
• 📄 Details: Celebrate 32 years of LGBTQ-independent cinema with a diverse lineup of films that inspire, challenge, and connect audiences. More info: Festival listing