Queer Film Summit 2025
Monday, September 29, 2025 12:00 PM
Landmark's Midtown Art Cinema
FROM POCKET CHANGE TO PICTURE LOCK:
BUILDING YOUR LOW/NO-BUDGET FEATURE
No money, no permission, and no plan b. For queer filmmakers, the road to a first feature is rarely paved with big budgets or endless resources — but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. This panel brings together Atlanta-based creatives who have made (or are making) their features with next to nothing, navigating systemic barriers with creativity, community, and sheer determination. In the scrappy spirit of The Living End (1992) to the unapologetic boldness of Watermelon Woman (1997), By Hook or by Crook (2001), and recent works like Mutt (2023), we’ll explore how queer voices are pushing projects forward despite limited access to funding, inequities in unpaid or deferred labor, and the extra hurdles marginalized storytellers face in getting their work seen. This is a practical, no-gloss conversation about making your first feature with what you have, figuring it out when you don’t, and telling your story — loud, queer, and on your own terms.
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 12:00 PM
Landmark's Midtown Art Cinema
UNSUNG HEROES OF THE BIG SCREEN:
CELEBRATING THE CREW THAT MAKES IT HAPPEN
Shining a spotlight on the vital crew members who often work behind the scenes, this panel celebrates the team that is rarely seen, but are essential to bringing any film to life. From gaffers and sound recordists to production designers, composers, and first assistant directors — those who keep the shoot on schedule and organized — these are the creatives whose work shapes the emotional and logistical core of every project. This conversation celebrates their contributions, unpacks their processes, and gives them the flowers they deserve.
Thursday, October 2, 2025 12:00 PM
Landmark's Midtown Art Cinema
FROM PITCH TO PREMIERE:
THE REAL DEAL ON DISTRIBUTION & LIVE SPEED PITCH SESSION
This special two-part event brings together producers, studio executives, and representatives from top festivals and platforms for a candid conversation about how queer stories get discovered, championed, and brought to audiences. These aren’t just gatekeepers — they’re advocates working inside complex systems to make space for bold, inclusive storytelling.
Then, for the first time at Out on Film, the conversation moves from the stage to the spotlight with a live speed pitch session. A select number of attendees will be randomly selected to pitch their projects directly to this panel of industry decision-makers — in front of a live audience — and receive immediate feedback. No favorites, no pre-screening, just your chance to be heard. Whether you’re on stage or in the seats, you’ll get a rare, inside look at what it takes to sell your story and move it toward the big screen.
Friday, October 3,
2025 12:00 PM
Landmark's Midtown Art Cinema
LIGHTS, LIPSTICK, LATEX:
THE PRACTICAL FX OF QUEER MOXIE MAGIC
Go behind the glitter and gore of horror and fantasy with a special effects panel inspired by the outrageous zombie drag horror Queen of the Dead. An official 2025 selection of Out on Film, the film follows a fierce crew of drag queens, club kids, and frenemies who must put aside their drama to battle the undead during a warehouse party gone wrong.
In this panel and live demonstration, we will discuss how to bring blood, brains, and fabulous mayhem to life on a budget. Expect fake wounds, campy transformations, and a closer look at how queer creativity fuels low-budget fantasy and horror magic.