Q+ CINEMASCOPE – The Queer Film Festival 2025 Open Call for LGBTQ+ Short Films
Q+ invites filmmakers, storytellers, and visual artists to participate in the first edition of CINEMASCOPE – The Queer Film Festival 2025
This festival is a vibrant celebration of queer cinema — a space that amplifies authentic voices, untold stories, and bold expressions from across the LGBTQ+ spectrum.
Cinemascope seeks films that challenge stereotypes, celebrate diversity, and explore the infinite shades of identity, love, and belonging. We welcome short films between 10 and 40 minutes, from any country and language, that reflect the richness and realities of queer life — whether personal, political, or poetic.
What kind of films will be accepted and screened:
• Films that explore LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and relationships in all their forms.
• Stories that highlight inclusivity, acceptance, pride, and individuality.
• Narratives that bring visibility to underrepresented queer voices — from urban, rural, or intersectional perspectives.
• Works of fiction, documentary, animation, or experimental cinema that express creativity and emotion through a queer lens.
• Films that push boundaries in storytelling, performance, and form — from intimate portraits to bold social commentaries.
Selected films will be screened as part of the Q+ CINEMASCOPE showcase, a platform dedicated to empowering queer filmmakers and connecting them with diverse audiences. The festival aims to spark conversations, build community, and celebrate the power of queer storytelling on screen.
1. ELIGIBILITY
• Films must focus on or represent themes, stories, or characters within the LGBTQ+ community.
• Open to filmmakers of all nationalities, backgrounds, and identities.
• Films must have a runtime between 10 and 40 minutes (including credits).
• Films in any language are eligible, but non-English films must include English subtitles.
• The film can be fiction, documentary, experimental, animation, or hybrid format.
• Each participant can apply up to 3 films.
2. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
• Films must be submitted digitally via the official entry form or film submission link (Google Drive or Q+ website)
• Only final versions of the film will be accepted — no work-in-progress cuts.
• Each submission must include:
o Film title
o Director’s name and contact details
o Synopsis (100–200 words)
o Year of production
o Country of origin
o High-resolution poster and 3–5 stills
o English subtitles (if applicable)
3. ENTRY FEES AND DATES
• Enter with a nominal fee of Rs. 5,000/- per entry/film for the 2025 edition.
• Open Call dates: 28 October to 28 November, 2025 – 11.59 PM
4. SELECTION PROCESS
• All submissions will be reviewed by a curation panel appointed by Q+ CINEMASCOPE.
• Selection will be based on storytelling, originality, technical quality, and relevance to LGBTQ+ themes.
• Selected films will be notified via email and officially announced on the Q+ website and social media platforms.
• The decision of the festival jury and programming team will be final and binding.
5. SCREENING RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
• By submitting your film, you grant Q+ CINEMASCOPE the non-exclusive rights to screen your film during the festival.
• Filmmakers retain full ownership and copyright of their work.
• Selected films may be used for promotional purposes, such as trailers, stills, and festival publicity (online and offline).
• The festival will not offer screening fees or royalties for films selected for showcase.
6. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
• Preferred formats for submission and screening:
o Video Format: MP4 / MOV / J2K / DCP
o Resolution: 1080p (HD) or higher
o Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (preferred)
o Sound: Stereo or 5.1
• Films not meeting technical specifications may be disqualified.
7. AWARDS & RECOGNITION
(Optional section – tailor to your plans)
• Awards may include:
o Best LGBTQ+ Short Film
o Best Director
o Special Jury Mention
• Winners will receive trophies, certificates, and press coverage.
8. GENERAL TERMS
• Films that promote hate, discrimination, or explicit pornography will not be accepted.
• The festival reserves the right to disqualify any entry that violates the above terms or provides false information.
• Submission implies full acceptance of these Rules & Regulations.
9. CONTACT
Q+ CINEMASCOPE Film Festival Team
Email: pb@qplus.me
Website: www.qplus.me/events
Venue: Chennai, India
