QFilm Festival Long Beach

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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 celebrating the rich diversity of LGBTQ+ stories and filmmakers. For over 30 years, QFilms has been a welcoming space for thousands of movie lovers, industry professionals, and community members, offering thought-provoking screenings, engaging filmmaker Q&As, lively mixers, and exclusive parties. It’s a place where everyone, regardless of their background, can come together to celebrate the power of storytelling and the LGBTQ+ community.

The festival was founded in 1993, inspired by Robert Cano’s experience at the historic LGBTQ March on Washington. With seed funding from The LGBTQ Center Long Beach, the inaugural QFilm Festival debuted that June at the Student Union of California State University, Long Beach—playing to a sold-out crowd and launching a lasting tradition of community storytelling and celebration. This commitment to community storytelling is at the heart of QFilms, making it a unique and engaging experience for all who attend.
 

Since its founding, QFilms has grown into a multifaceted cultural experience that celebrates LGBTQ+ creativity, resilience, and joy. The festival has screened over 700 films from more than 70 countries and has also served as a crucial platform for LGBTQ+ filmmakers, helping them take meaningful steps in their careers. By showcasing independent voices and creating space for authentic storytelling, QFilms has not only helped filmmakers gain visibility but also inspired a new generation of storytellers, moving them toward broader opportunities in the industry. Today, it stands as the second-largest LGBTQ+ cultural event in Long Beach and the premier LGBTQ+ arts event of the year, drawing both local and national attention.

Proceeds from QFilms directly support The LGBTQ Center Long Beach, which has served the community for over 40 years by advancing equity for LGBTQ+ people through culturally responsive advocacy, education, programs, and services.

Each year, The Center supports more than 10,000 individuals through programs such as HIV and STI testing, youth and older adult services, mental health counseling, legal assistance, domestic violence support, and a wide range of support and social groups.