A film strip with colorful blocks and black and white stills from films for Reeling 2026: September 17-27

Submissions are now open for Reeling 2026!

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.

2026 Deadlines

Early Deadline: February 19
Regular Deadline: April 23
Late Deadline:
May 28


We’re seeking a volunteer to design the poster and branding for this year’s festival!

The Graphic Designer will work closely with the Chicago Filmmakers Director of Education and the Reeling Film Festival marketing team to assist in creating graphics for Reeling 2026. The position involves designing the festival’s main graphic theme that will be used for the festival website, program booklet cover, and other promotional materials. Additionally, the graphic designer will help format the festival booklet. Candidates are required to be familiar with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Familiarity with Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, and/or Canva is a plus.

To apply, email your cover letter and resume to education@chicagofilmmakers.org.


congratulations to our 2025 WINNERS

2025 Jury Awards

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


2025 Audience Awards

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

 

 

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