33rd Annual Long Beach QFilm Festival

The Long Beach QFilm Festival (QFilms) is the longest-running film festival in Southern Los Angeles, and the only festival in the area dedicated to screening films showcasing the stories and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and increasing visibility for independent LGBTQ+ and allied filmmakers.
QFilms’ inception stems from the inspiration experienced by QFilms founder Robert Cano after participating in the historic 1993 March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation. With seed money provided by The LGBTQ Center Long Beach, the inaugural festival took place in June 1993 in the Student Union at California State University Long Beach to a sold-out crowd. Since then, QFilms has screened more than 300 films from over 30 countries. In the years since QFilms’ founding, the festival has grown to a multi-event experience featuring receptions and community building opportunities to further strengthen our local LGBTQ+ communities.
Each year, the festival screens more than 50 films, with approximately 10 feature films and more than 40 short films grouped by target demographic. Films are screened at the Art Theatre of Long Beach, one of the oldest movie theatres in Long Beach. Many films include post-screening Q&A discussions with filmmakers. Audiences also vote on their favorite films throughout the festival. Receptions are hosted each night at The Center, allowing audiences to engage socially with The Center and learn more about its programs and services.