Screener Info 2026
Welcome 2026 Queer Fear Screeners! All screeners are asked to watch and rate films within FilmFreeway. You should see Queer Fear Film Festival under your accounts when you log in. We're a small team, so note that for transparency, all screeners can see everyone's ratings and notes.
GENERAL INFO
Each film should be screened from beginning to end, unless some grossly substandard technical element (like sound) would make it literally un-screenable during the festival, OR if it in no way, shape, or form is a fit for us (i.e. it's a heterosexual romantic comedy).
Each film needs a minimum of 3 ratings. If a film already has 3 ratings, you don't have to screen it, but you're still welcome to! The more you screen, the more you can weigh in during our final programming roundtable.
We will schedule a programming roundtable on Zoom in early December to make final festival selections and to determine awards. All screeners are welcome and encouraged to attend.
FESTIVAL DEADLINES
Super Earlybird Deadline: July 1
Earlybird Deadline: September 1
Regular Deadline: October 1
Late Deadline: November 1
Filmmaker Notification Date: December 14
JUDGING CRITERIA
Each film should be rated on the below criteria:
Overall
Your gut instinct rating to the film, on a 1-5 star scale. The whole may be greater or lesser than the sum of the parts, so this rating may differ from the average score in the below categories.
Originality
The look and feel of the film is creative and unique in itself. Displays innovative ideas or storytelling techniques. The film isn’t predictable and keeps the viewer engaged throughout.
Direction
Clear, cohesive choices were made that advanced the story. The cinematography was thought out and added meaning to the film. The director created a captivating film.
Performances
Believable performances that don’t pull focus from the scene. Acting supported the film and brought life to the characters. The characters enhanced the film and its story.
Production Value
The overall quality of production elements in the film. Thoughtful planning is visible and successful execution is present on screen If Sfx were used they were implemented smartly and aided the story.
Pacing / Editing
The film felt neither too fast nor too slow and kept to a rhythm. Editing used helps clarify the film and enhance the pacing. Transitions and camera work is well executed and not distracting to the viewer Opening and closing credits are legible and aesthetically appealing for film.
Writing
The dialogue felt true to the tone of the film and the premise of its plot. The interactions between characters were believable and easy to follow. Writing is coherent and resonates with the viewer.
Sound / Music
All audio/sound is evenly layered and doesn’t distract or pull focus. Music/SFX is appropriately themed and complements the story. All dialogue/narration is clear and easy to understand.
Representation
Characters display a large breadth of personalities, looks, and backgrounds, particularly the representation of queer characters. Relevant themes are covered in a constructive matter that advances the plot. Storylines/characters are portrayed fairly and with complexity and respect.
In addition to rating these criteria, each rating includes three short-answer questions:
Why did you give this film/screenplay the rating you did?
At least 1 sentence. - Explain your overall rating, and/or what you felt were the strongest/weakest elements of the film.
Provide a brief summary of the film/screenplay below. At least 1 sentence. - As if you were writing a program description, or describing the story to a friend.
If you're recommending the film, what filmmaker Q&A question(s) come to mind?
5-STAR RATING SYSTEM
Each rating is out of 5 stars.
5 Stars: Favorite / Exceptional / Well-Crafted Work of Art
4: Stars: Great / Exciting, Affecting, Memorable Achievement / Enlightening
3 Stars: Good / Interesting Concept or Execution with Some Flaws / Mixed Feelings
2 Stars: Flawed / Mediocre / Highly Questionable
1 Star: Notably Flawed and Frustrating / Wholly Deficient / Shameful Failure / Atrocity
YOUR RECOMMENDATION
Pass: Few, if any, of the elements in the film were well executed. The film was hard to comprehend, not interesting to watch, or seemed wrong for this festival.
Recommend: Most or all of the film elements are strong and well-executed. The movie was a joy to watch and the experience would best be shared with festival audiences.
Award-Worthy: Clearly well-executed and thoroughly attention-grabbing. Would do very well in a festival setting and is deserving of special recognition for its artistry, vision, message, etc.
Maybe: Some elements of the film were strong, other elements were weak or unsatisfactory. Overall, the film was about average. Possibly not the best fit for this festival. Elaborate in short response section.
FLAGS
Flag films to help us organize programming later, and to include content warnings if necessary.
Red: graphic violence/graphic sex
Blue: offensive language
Purple: discriminatory themes
Yellow: positive message/happy ending/educational value