NewFest

Submissions for NewFest's 37th edition of The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival (October 9 - 19, 2025) will open on January 21st, 2025.

To see event listings for our year-round programming and receive updates on the festival, please visit our website, sign up for our mailing list, and follow us on social media. We look forward to hearing your story!

As part of NewFest’s Black Filmmakers Initiative, NewFest waives festival submission fees for Black filmmakers with LGBTQ+ stories centering Black characters and perspectives. To request a waiver code once submissions are open, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with information on your completed and eligible project.

---

Founded in 1988, The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival is one of the world's largest and most respected annual celebrations of the year’s best queer films from the U.S. and abroad--featuring nearly 150 films from more than 30 countries, as well as special events that bring together filmmakers, celebrities, movie lovers, industry professionals, and the LGBTQ+ community.

NewFest will celebrate its 37th annual edition of The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival in October 2025--throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn, and virtually nationwide--with nearly two weeks of premieres, panels, and parties. NewFest's collection of narratives, documentaries, shorts programs, and special events showcases the best in LGBTQ+ film and media.

NewFest is distinctive among LGBTQ+ film festivals for its high-quality programming, outstanding press coverage, community engagement, savvy audiences, and sensational parties. The festival’s impact in terms of propelling the work and careers of emerging filmmakers is historic and global, and uniquely channels the collaborative creative energy of New York City to celebrate queer films.

The New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival is produced annually by NewFest, New York’s leading LGBTQ+ film and media organization. NewFest gives voice and visibility to the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ experiences by championing films, supporting storytellers, and engaging audiences in order to inspire dialogue, shift cultural bias and empower our community.