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We’re proud to celebrate the power of storytelling, creativity, and activism at the intersection of film and LGBTQ+ history. Named in honor of Gilbert Baker, the visionary artist and activist who created the iconic rainbow flag, this festival is a tribute to voices that challenge, inspire, and unite.

This year’s lineup features bold, diverse films from around the world that reflect the spirit of visibility, pride, and resistance. Whether you’re a filmmaker, ally, or audience member, thank you for joining us in honoring the legacy of queer art and advocacy through cinema.

Let the stories begin.

Fiction:

The Boxing Ring (dir. Emily Gutierrez) – Sports/Family Drama

After deciding to do a Muay Thai competition, a timid, mid-20s Filipino-Canadian must train in secret and go against her strict parents, while also falling in love with her coach, who is also a woman.

The Rebel (dir. Xinyu Shu...

“Life Echoes” is a short lesbian film about a woman who tries to contact her missing girlfriend with a mysterious medium. The short had its world premiere at the Gilbert Baker Film Festival and is now available on YouTube.

The quiet supernatural drama stars Japanese-Philippina actress Narelle Katsumoto as Asa, whose screen debut “The Voice in My Head” is also playing at the Gilbert Baker Film Festival. It also features Aj Floyd, a well known cosplayer who has over five dogs, and who is making her screen debut as the Medium.

Behind the scenes, Hamish Downie (Matcha & Vanilla) helms the project, and co-wrote the script with well-known horror novelist and renaissance woman, Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc.

Downie says, “The idea behind the project was to act as a companion piece to my existential animated short ‘The Last Anomaly’, which is all I can say without spoiling the film for everyone!

For many kids, there's nothing scarier than "back to school" commercials, and with another autumn nearly upon us, the streaming service Shudder has highlighted a set of horror films that are perfect for that time of year when trapper keepers (they're still a thing, right?) and backpacks are in high demand. Also in today's Horror Highlights is another contest from our friends at Comet TV, initial details on the Windy City Horrorama, release info for Bad Exorcists, and the short horror film Lost Soul.

Shudder's "Back to School" Collection: "Pop Quiz: What's a synonym for "hell".? Answer: School - at least for the kids in these tales of homeroom horror. They've got to deal with twisted teachers, ghoulish gym classes and phantom pep rallies, all before lunch. A few hours with these scared students and you'll soon be praying for the bell to ring."

To check out Shudder's "Back to School" film collection,...