Founded in 1981, Reeling is the second longest-running LGBTQ+ film festival in the world. The festival draws thousands of attendees to Chicago to celebrate the best of queer cinema. Filmmakers, be a part of Reeling 2026 and send us your work! All lengths and genres will be considered.
Before you hit “submit,” be sure to review our eligibility guidelines.
Early Deadline: February 19
Regular Deadline: April 23
Late Deadline: May 28
Best Narrative Feature NEWBORN by Alejandro Zuno
Best Documentary Feature THIS IS BALLROOM by Juru & Vitã
Best Narrative Short HOLY CURSE by Snigdha Kapoor
Best Documentary Short WE’LL GO DOWN IN HISTORY by Cameron Richards & Charlie Tidmas
Best Animation/Experimental Short A BIRD HIT MY WINDOW AND NOW I’M A LESBIAN by Carmela Murphy & AJ Dubler
Best Narrative Feature DAUGHTER’S DAUGHTER by Huang Xi
Best Documentary Feature It’s Dorothy! by Jeffrey McHale
Best Narrative Short BISEXUAL CRISIS!!! by Lyndon Henley Hanrahan
Best Documentary Short BABYLONIA by Duda Gambogi
Best Animation/Experimental Short DRAGFOX by Lisa Ott
