LGBTQI+ cinema festivals and events
Did we lose a sense of community by streaming our favourite movies from the comfort of our own homes? Wouldn’t you like to be surprised and have the opportunity to share your experience face (next) to face? If so, put these LGBTQI+ cinema festivals and events on your calendar. From a pink film festival like Roze Filmdagen at Ketelhuis to a screening from an upcoming filmmaker at Kriterion during TranScreen. Amsterdam's queer cinema landscape gives us many opportunities to dive into unique perspectives and celebrate the diversity of our LGBTQI+ community. Watch the rainbow silver screen with us at these LGBTQI+ cinema festivals and events!
Roze Filmdagen
13-24 March 2024
Amsterdams' annual LGBTQ+ “pink” film festival, or Roze Filmdagen, showcases a compelling selection of international queer cinema. With a rich lineup of feature films, documentaries, and shorts, the festival provides a platform for thought-provoking cinema that inspires, entertains, and takes us out of our comfort zone. The festival takes place at the arthouse cinema Ketelhuis in Westerpark.
International Queer & Migrant Film Festival
With queer and migrant-related films as well as queer art, workshops, talks and parties, the International Queer & Migrant Film Festival gives a broader look into our diverse society. Focussing on sexual diversity in queer and migrant communities, IQMF encourages young queer and migrant filmmakers to show their work, giving them the opportunity to expand their network and present their work to peers and an international audience. Keep an eye on their socials for collabs with other queer film festivals from around the world.
TranScreen
With a mission to amplify trans voices and stories, TranScreen provides a platform for both emerging and established filmmakers. The Amsterdam-based transgender film festival is dedicated to showcasing transgender narratives through a diverse selection of films and panel discussions in one of the loveliest cinemas in our city, Kriterion. Check out their website for other Transcreen activities during the rest of the year.
Studio Queer at Studio/K
Studio/K is entirely run by students (like its sister cinema Kriterion), and because they want to make sure that everyone feels welcome, they created Studio Queer. This rainbow side of Studio K consists of events aimed at the queer community, LGBTQI+ film programming and queer club nights. They work closely together with other LGBTQI+ initiatives to strengthen the existing power of our local queer community.
Queer films at Lab 111
Do you like to watch unique classics and fresh perspectives that captivate the imagination, stimulate thought, and inspire? LAB111 is an unconventional cult cinema located in a monumental former pathological-anatomical laboratory in Amsterdam. They often program queer cinema and are one of the collaborators and locations of the IQMFF. They also serve some of the best pizza in town.
Pride Night at Pathé
Every first Wednesday of the month is Pride Night at Pathé. Held at 14 cinemas nationwide, it features beautiful queer focussed films and the occasional sneak peek. Stay for drinks after and keep the cinematic celebration of LGBTQIA+ stories going with one of the local LGBTQI+ partners. Come to Pathé de Munt near Rembrandt Square for the Amsterdam Pride Night at Pathé.
Open Air Cinemas during Queer & Pride
31 July, 1-2 August 2024
The Open Air Cinema West at Mercatorplein and Open Air Cinema Zuid-As at Gerwishplein are organised by Pride Amsterdam and the city to help create inclusive neighbourhoods where everyone feels free to be themselves. These completely free movie nights have 400 seats to fill, but come early because they go fast! Bring your own snacks and drinks and enjoy this positive pink neighbourhood moment.
Honourable mentions
If you are visiting our city outside of the queer film festival dates, make sure to check these Amsterdam arthouse cinemas for LGBTQI+ programming during their regular opening hours: Supernova Cinema, The Movies, Filmhuis Cavia, Eye, Filmhallen, Rialto, Cinecenter, Filmtheater De Uitkijk, Cinema de Vlugt, FC Hyena.
As a born and raised queer local, Daan knows all the ins and outs of LGBTQI+ life in Amsterdam. Follow him and his boyfriend Karl on their gay travel blog coupleofmen.com for queer-welcoming destinations around the world.
