LGBTQ+ Frameline Film Festival Brings 200 Filmmakers to the Bay

San Francisco’s legendary LGBTQ+ film festival reached new heights during its 49th edition from June 18-28, showcasing the power of queer cinema through nearly 150 films that drew sold-out audiences across the city. Executive Director Allegra Madsen presided over a festival that brought together international talent including RuPaul’s Drag Race star Miss Peppermint, author Michelle Tea and director James Sweeney closed out the Festival with a sold-out screening of Twinless, a Sundance standout, with over 700 people at the Herbst Theatre.

The festival’s programming brilliantly balanced celebration with activism, opening with Sophie Hyde’s family drama “Jimpa” before 1,000 attendees, and featuring timely presentations like Sam Feder’s “Heightened Scrutiny” amid ongoing legal battles over transgender rights. Local artists shone in world premieres including “WICKET” featuring SF dancer Bboy Wicket, and hometown screenings of works by Rashaad Newsome and Angelo Madsen. The festival’s cultural impact extended beyond the films through events like the Pride Kickoff Party at Oasis, where drag artists Nicki Jizz, D’Arcy Drollinger and the all-Black collective Reparations energized crowds, reinforcing Frameline’s 49-year mission to change the world through the transformative power of queer storytelling.