Queer Fear Film Festival is where we celebrate queer stories from the dark, weird, and wild end of the genre spectrum.

Now in our 5th year, Queer Fear is proudly the oldest queer genre film festival in the world and the only queer genre film festival in the South. What started as a niche idea has grown into an international celebration of LGBTQIA+ voices in horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and all the beautifully strange spaces in between.

On February 21, 2026, we’re taking over a/perture cinema in downtown Winston-Salem with 41 short films from 11 countries. That’s dozens of fearless filmmakers, haunting visions, and genre stories that explore identity, survival, transformation, and otherness in ways only queer cinema can.

Here’s where you come in!

We want our filmmakers in the room. Every Queer Fear screening is followed by a live filmmaker Q&A, where artists and audiences connect face-to-face, swap ideas, and build real community. Those conversations are the beating heart of the festival. But traveling to a small Southern city isn’t always easy for independent filmmakers.

That’s why we’re raising funds for travel stipends.

Every dollar you donate goes directly toward bringing this year’s filmmakers to Winston-Salem. Your support helps us fly them in, welcome them properly, and treat them like the rock stars they are.

Queer Fear was founded to bring queer genre filmmakers together, not just on screen, but in real life. When you donate, you’re not just backing a festival, you’re helping create a space where artists are seen, celebrated, and connected, and where audiences get to be part of something electric and alive.

If you love bold queer stories, fearless genre cinema, and community built on creativity and care, we’d love to have your support.

Help us make Queer Fear 2026 our most fabulous festival yet!

🏳️‍🌈 🔪 🎬 ✨

Here are some of the reviews from our alumni filmmakers:

“It was deeply inspiring to meet so many other queer filmmakers making horror and then get to see their work. Plus Winston-Salem is a very cool city to visit. 10/10 would recommend. Queer Fear is a very special event and I hope to attend again in the future.” - Rachel Kerry, director, Strangers on the A Train

“I had an amazing time at this film festival! The work is inspiring, and the people are wonderful.” - Emma Underwood, director, Irregular Feminine Forms

"Hands down one of my favorite festivals I've attended." - Neil Willoughby, director, This Feeling Will Pass

“I felt so welcomed, respected and supported by everyone involved!” - Tim Connolly, director, Mystery Solved

“As a Deaf Filmmaker, Queer Fear Film Festival has been so welcoming and opened its mind, eyes, and heart on authentic representation.” - Michelle Mary Schaefer, director, It's a Match

2026 Queer Fear Film Festival