ReelQ Film Festival 2025
- October 3-11, 2025
- Pittsburgh, PA
ReelQ Film Festival 2025
The ReelQ Film Festival, Pittsburgh’s long-running lgbtq+Q+ film festival, returns to southwestern Pennsylvania from October 3–11, 2025. Established in 1985, ReelQ is among the oldest queer film festivals in the world and the only festival of its kind in Pittsburgh. Over nine days every autumn it transforms venues such as the historic Harris Theater on Liberty Avenue and community cinemas like Row House Cinema in Lawrenceville into vibrant spaces where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning stories are celebrated on screen and off. The 2025 edition will mark the festival’s fortieth season, continuing a four‑decade tradition of showcasing films made by, about and for lgbtq+Q+ people, and fostering conversation, community and education through film.
Each year ReelQ curates a varied program that spans feature dramas, documentaries, comedies, shorts, animation, genre films and experimental works. In addition to evening gala screenings and special guest appearances, the festival organizes thematic shorts programs and talk‑backs with filmmakers, scholars and community activists. Recent editions have featured targeted collections such as “Real & Raw: Queer Documentaries,” which celebrated lgbtq+Q+ history through the lens of documentary filmmakers. That program brought together short films like **Transheaven, Pennsylvania**, a portrait of a small Pennsylvania town that evolved from a haven for gay men to a home for transgender women; **One Story at a Time: Celeste Lecesne**, in which author and activist Celeste Lecesne reflects on overcoming homophobia; **Sultana’s Reign**, an intimate conversation with Palestinian drag artist Sultana of New York; **Don’t Cry for Me All You Drag Queens**, a loving tribute to Mother Cavallucci that weaves past and present; **No More Longing**, which follows musician Jaime Jobim as he finds his voice after transitioning; **Remembering the Glade**, a historical remembrance of Honolulu’s legendary “Boys Will Be Girls” revue and the mahu community who gathered there; **Ben in Bloom**, chronicling a non‑binary teen from Bucks County who becomes a fearless lgbtq+Q+ advocate; and **Pride of Texas**, a celebration of the Texas Gay Rodeo Association. Screenings of documentary shorts such as these emphasize the festival’s commitment to preserving queer history and celebrating the diversity of lgbtq+Q+ identities.
Narrative features have also been a highlight. In 2024 ReelQ’s closing night film was **Extremely Unique Dynamic**, a meta‑comedy about two best friends making a movie about themselves at a turning point in their lives. The film’s playful, introspective tone resonated with audiences and underscored the festival’s appetite for stories that explore the complexities of queer friendships, romance and self‑discovery. As the 2025 program is finalized, organizers promise a similarly eclectic mix that spotlights emerging talents and international voices while offering plenty of horror, sci‑fi and comedic selections through categories like the “Thrills & Chills” queer horror shorts showcase and “Her Shorts,” a collection of films centering lesbian and nonbinary characters. The festival also includes special anniversary presentations, such as retrospective screenings of cult classics and milestone queer features, as well as a family‑friendly youth program in collaboration with Reel Youth.
ReelQ is much more than a week of films. Throughout the festival there are panel discussions, workshops and networking events for filmmakers, students and film lovers. Past editions have hosted conversations on representation in media, trans health care, intersectionality and the art of queer storytelling. Industry guests and visiting filmmakers share behind‑the‑scenes stories in Q&A sessions following screenings. ReelQ also partners with community organizations to host resource fairs and awareness booths in the cinema lobby, offering information on lgbtq+Q+ health services, social groups, political advocacy and volunteer opportunities. Fundraising events, karaoke nights and after‑parties at local bars create opportunities for attendees to meet directors and performers, connect with friends old and new and celebrate queer culture in a safe, inclusive environment. The festival prides itself on being accessible; tickets are priced affordably with discounts for students, seniors and low‑income attendees, and the festival offers virtual screenings for those who prefer to watch from home.
The 2025 festival will once again center its activities in downtown Pittsburgh at the Harris Theater (809 Liberty Avenue) — a beloved art‑house cinema that seats 200 and offers an intimate viewing experience — while select screenings and events will take place at Row House Cinema and partnering cultural institutions across the city. Attendees are encouraged to explore Pittsburgh’s vibrant cultural districts between screenings: the Cultural District around the Harris Theater boasts galleries, restaurants and nightlife, while nearby neighborhoods like Lawrenceville and the Strip District offer coffee shops, boutiques, breweries and scenic riverfront walks. Out‑of‑town visitors can choose from accommodations at downtown hotels or quaint bed‑and‑breakfasts in neighborhoods like Shadyside, Oakland and the North Side. Because the festival coincides with peak autumn foliage, it’s an excellent time to enjoy Pittsburgh’s parks and river trails.
ReelQ’s mission is to increase the availability and accessibility of queer cinema and to highlight the diversity of the lgbtq+Q+ community. By screening films that would otherwise not reach local theaters and by creating dialogues around them, the festival fosters empathy, challenges stereotypes and amplifies voices that are often marginalized. It is run by a small nonprofit with the help of volunteers, sponsors and community partners. Organizers invite supporters to become members, make donations, volunteer, or become event sponsors to ensure the festival continues to thrive. Aspiring filmmakers are encouraged to submit their work through the festival’s FilmFreeway portal (submissions typically open in early January and close in mid‑July).
Tickets and passes for ReelQ Film Festival 2025 will go on sale closer to the event. In the meantime, cinephiles can join the ReelQ mailing list to receive updates on programming announcements, volunteer opportunities and year‑round events. Whether you attend one screening or binge the entire week, ReelQ promises a welcoming atmosphere, thought‑provoking films and a celebration of queer culture in the heart of Pittsburgh. Plan your visit for October 3–11, 2025 and experience one of the longest‑running lgbtq+Q+ film festivals in the world.