California Today

Frameline 50: Inside the Making of a Queer Film Festival

17 June 2026 09:08

Frameline, the San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, celebrates its 50th anniversary with a diverse lineup of queer films. The festival prioritizes community-focused programming, avoiding films that explain queer experiences to straight audiences.

Must-see films include 'Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma' and 'At the Place of Ghosts.' - The festival started with films projected on a bedsheet, driven by a need for queer representation. - Programming aims to reflect the current queer conversation, with genres like queer slashers and slow-burn lesbian romances always present.

- The festival's unique energy comes from audiences sharing collective trauma and joy, such as watching Barbara Hammer's work with her ex-girlfriends. Frameline continues to be a vital platform for queer storytelling, blending local film history with contemporary issues.

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BayviewSan FranciscoeventsfilmLGBTQcultureHumboldt CountySan Francisco CountyLocal