Queer East, launched in 2020, is an LGBTQ+ film festival aiming to showcase rarely-seen queer cinema both from, and about, East and Southeast Asia, and to amplify the voices of underrepresented Asian communities in the UK. The festival invites everyone to explore how culture, law, history, and social norms have shaped the current queer Asian landscape.

We welcome all types of films and artists’ moving images from around the world, provided they are about LGBTQ+ East or Southeast Asians, or their diasporic communities in foreign countries. There are no restrictions on running time, language, and premiere status, and we welcome directors, cast members, and crews of all nationalities.

We embrace a wide spectrum of definitions of LGBTQ+, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual, pansexual, queer, trans, non-binary, intersex, genderqueer, two-spirit and people with non-heterosexual sexual identities. We also pay attention to films which challenge conventional norms of gender, sexual activity and family relationships.

To be considered for inclusion in the programme, please send a brief introduction to the work, along with a secure online viewing link. Films must have English subtitles if not in the English language.

The 2021 festival is currently planned to take place in London in the autumn. The format has yet to be determined due to COVID-19, though in-person cinema screenings are planned if possible. The team will remain in close contact with all filmmakers who have submitted work and provide updates at every stage.

If you wish to have your film considered for our 2021 edition, please email us at [email protected]

Any correspondence should quote the name of the film and the director. Submissions close on 31st May 2021. For any queries, please contact our festival programmer, Yi Wang at [email protected]