As the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes continue, no one knows if there’s an end in sight. The strikes have wreaked havoc on entertainment with postponed movie premieres and awards shows and have halted television and movie production. The effects have both seen and unforeseen consequences for the billion-dollar entertainment industry. Luckily, the fall film festival circuit continues to move forward and has been more critical than ever. Check out this list of film festivals you might consider patronizing. Thank the heavens for the virtual options that will erase borders and eliminate the need to attend in person!
Check back often for updated list.
Chicago Underground Film Festival September 13 – 17 cuff.org
Sojourner Truth Festival of the Arts Thursday, September 14 – 17 at Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago. Click here for program information.
Celebrate Chicago’s history as told by Black queer communities with DayLong Film Festival!
Saturday, September 16 · 10am – 5pm CDT click here for more information.
DC Shorts International Film Festival September 20 – September 24 dcshorts.com
Out on Film Atlanta LGBTQ Film Festival September 21 – October 1 outonfilm.org
Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival September 21 – October 8 Reelingfilmfest.org
Black Alphabet is excited to partner with Reeling Film Festival for the screening of “Kenyatta: Do Not Wait Your Turn.” https://reelingfilmfest.org
The Midwest Film Festival is the nation’s only film festival solely dedicated to the Midwest filmmaker, presenting audiences with regionally produced independent cinema throughout the year. Monday, September 25th, at The Gene Siskel Film Center for Advertising Community Night. Our lineup features a variety of short films, including incredible passion projects from advertising professionals and story-driven branded content. midwestfilm.com
Prince George’s Film Fest September 28 – October 1 pgfilmfestival.com
61st New York Film Festival September 29 – October 15 filminc.org
Black Alphabet Partners with Afro Pride for Black Alphabet Film Festival South Florida
Join Black Alphabet on Thurs Oct 5th as we partner with Afro Pride & Black Pride South Florida Click here for tickets
Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival October 5 – 8 tiglff.org
Chicago International Film Festival October 11 – 22 chicagofilmfestival.com
Seattle Queer Film Festival October 12 – 22 threedollarbillcinema.org/sqff
NewFest: 35th New York LGBTQ+ Film Festival October 12 – 22 newfest.org
Colman Domingo and Aml Ameen in RUSTIN (2023) Photo by Parrish Lewis/Netflix – © Netflix © 2022
Gay civil rights activist Bayard Rustin organized the 1963 March on Washington.
Black Alphabet Film Festival October 13-15 www.Blackalphabet.org
San Diego International Film Festival October 18 – 22 sdfilmfest.com
Wash DC’s Reel Affirmations October 20 – 22 ReelAffirmations.org
In Justice for All Film Festival International October 20 – 26 injusticeforallff.eventive.org
New Orleans Film Festival November 2 – 7 neworleansfilmsociety.org
Golden Gate International Film Festival November 3 – 12 goldengateinternationalfilmfestival.com
Fort Lauderdale International Film Fest November 3 – 16 fliff.org
Black Harvest Film Fest November 3 – 16 at Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago.
The Black Harvest Film Festival is Chicago’s annual showcase for films that celebrate, explore, and share the Black, African American, and African Diaspora experience. Click here for program information.
San Francisco Transgender Film Festival November 8 – 19 sftff.org.org
Chicago International Reel Short Film Festival November 10 – 11 projectchicago.org
