An innovative and inclusive event dedicated to celebrating LGBTQIAP+ cinema through a diverse, accessible, and representative approach. FIRQ+ returns with the mission to amplify voices, break barriers, and showcase groundbreaking films that reflect the complexities of gender, identity, and sexuality. This edition expands opportunities for filmmakers and audiences to experience a cinematic journey that goes beyond the screen, creating a space for creativity, inclusion, and dialogue.
What is FIRQ+
FIRQ+ is an annual festival that aims to provide a platform for independent filmmakers from all over the world whose works challenge conventions and explore the rich stories of the LGBTQIAP+ community. The 2nd edition promises to extend its reach and accessibility, creating an event that goes beyond film screenings to foster creativity, inclusion, and reflection.
Festival Categories
We are excited to present a diverse range of categories that cover various forms of cinematic expression:
Documentary: Films up to 20 minutes that address social, political, or cultural issues related to the LGBTQIAP+ community. We seek authentic and sensitive portrayals of the themes explored, aiming to provoke reflection and empathy.
Music Videos: Productions up to 10 minutes that blend music with other forms of artistic expression, such as dance, theater, or performance. We want to see innovative works that bring new perspectives and audiovisual experiences.
Experimental: Films up to 15 minutes that break the conventions of traditional cinema. If you have a bold vision and a challenging approach, this category is for you!
Fiction: Films up to 25 minutes that explore the diverse facets of gender, sexuality, and identity. We seek engaging and authentic narratives that creatively and thoughtfully address LGBTQIAP+ issues.
NEW! This year, we expanded both the Fiction and Documentary categories. Documentaries are now up to 20 minutes long, and Fiction films are up to 25 minutes long. This change allows for more complex narratives and deeper exploration of stories.
Why Participate?
FIRQ+ is much more than a film festival; it is a space for visibility, inclusion, and transformation. Here are some reasons to submit your work:
Visibility: Showcase your film to a global and diverse audience that values LGBTQIAP+ narratives.
Accessibility: We are committed to providing a fully accessible experience. All films will be subtitled in Brazilian Portuguese and English, ensuring a wider audience. Additionally, we will have sign language interpreters, a team trained in attitudinal accessibility, and a venue that meets architectural accessibility standards.
Networking: FIRQ+ offers a unique opportunity to connect with filmmakers, artists, and professionals from the global audiovisual industry.
Prizes: R$ 18,800 in prizes will be awarded, distributed across 11 categories, recognizing the best cinematic productions.
Schedule:
Call for Entries Launch: February 10, 2025 (Monday)
Submission Period Opens: February 10, 2025 (Monday)
Submission Deadline: April 10, 2025 (Monday)
Film Evaluation Period: April 13 – June 13, 2025
Selected Films Announcement: June 16, 2025 (Monday)
Festival Dates: July 18-19, 2025 (Friday and Saturday)
Festival Location: Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
How to Submit?
Submit your film via the festival website (https://ruidosqueer.com), Google Forms or FestHome, . Remember that all films must be subtitled in Brazilian Portuguese, regardless of the original language. Even films in Portuguese require subtitles for accessibility purposes. Additionally, ensure that you have all necessary copyright permissions and provide a poster and trailer for your submission.
Let’s Make History in Cinema!
We are calling on filmmakers from around the world who wish to transform the cinematic narrative and give visibility to the beauty and diversity of LGBTQIAP+ identity. The 2nd Edition of FIRQ+ is a unique opportunity to leave your mark on the queer cinema history, contributing to a future where creativity, inclusion, and diversity shine on screen.
Questions?
Contact us at: ruidosqueer@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @ruidosqueer and @firqsjc
Use the hashtags #FIRQ2025 #QueerCinema #MarginalCinema #ArtOfResistance #DiversityAndInclusion and share this opportunity with your friends and fellow filmmakers!
Submit your film today and be part of this cinematic revolution!
Cash Prizes: 3,000€
To support and encourage filmmakers’ participation in the 2nd Edition of the Ruídos Queer+ International Film Festival (FIRQ+), we are pleased to announce a total of R$ 18,800 in prizes.
This year, there will be no travel grants for the selected films. However, we strongly encourage films to send a representative to the awards ceremony, as their presence is an excellent opportunity to interact with other participants, share experiences, and celebrate the creative works that make FIRQ+ a space for visibility and transformation. It is important to note that, while the presence of a representative is highly recommended, it is not mandatory.
Award Categories and Evaluation Criteria:
The FIRQ+ awards serve to recognize and celebrate the standout productions in the different categories of the festival. The evaluation process will be rigorous and careful, aiming to highlight the originality, technical quality, and the contribution of the works to queer cinema and discussions surrounding gender, identity, and sexuality. Prizes will be distributed across the following categories:
Best Film of the Festival (R$ 4,000): The highest prize at FIRQ+ will be awarded to the film that stands out in terms of impact, originality, thematic depth, and technical execution. The quality of the narrative, the ability to provoke reflection, and the contribution to queer representativity will be key factors in the decision.
Best Experimental Film (R$ 1,900): This award will recognize films that stand out for their formal and creative innovations. Films that break away from traditional narrative structures and use experimentation as an artistic expression will be highly valued.
Best Music Video (R$ 1,900): This category aims to recognize the excellence of audiovisual productions that blend music and other art forms, such as dance, theater, or performance.
Creativity, originality, and visual and auditory impact will be essential in the evaluation.
Best Fiction Film (R$ 1,900): Fiction films will be evaluated based on the originality of the story, character development, representation of queer issues, and technical quality. The fiction must be engaging and authentic, with the ability to provoke reflections on gender and sexuality.
Best Documentary (R$ 1,900): The best documentary will be the one that presents a sensitive, deep, and authentic approach to issues affecting the LGBTQIAP+ community. Research, engaging storytelling, and social impact will be important evaluation criteria.
Best Direction (R$ 1,500): This award will be given to the director who demonstrates mastery in leading the project, from conception to execution. The ability to translate the film's vision onto the screen with clarity and originality will be a key factor.
Best Audiovisual Editing (R$ 1,300): Editing will be evaluated based on narrative flow, pacing, and the creative use of audiovisual resources. The ability to build the story cohesively and impactfully will be essential for this award.
Best Acting (R$ 1,100): The Best Acting award will recognize performers who stand out for their emotional depth, authenticity, and commitment to the character. The performance must be memorable and sensitively represent issues of identity and sexuality.
Best Cinematography (R$ 1,100): The Best Cinematography award will be granted to the film that uses imagery creatively to evoke atmospheres and sensations that complement and intensify the narrative. The use of light, color, and composition will be critical in the evaluation.
Best Screenplay (R$ 1,100): The best screenplay will be the one that presents a well-crafted story, with engaging dialogues and a plot that intelligently explores issues related to identity, gender, and sexuality. Originality and thematic depth will be decisive factors.
Best Soundscape (R$ 1,100): The soundscape is crucial for creating the atmosphere of a film and adding emotional depth to the narrative. This award will recognize excellence in the use of sound, including the soundtrack, sound effects, and sound design, to enhance the audiovisual experience.
Each category will be evaluated by a specialized jury composed of professionals from the film industry, art, and LGBTQIAP+ culture, who will take into consideration both the technical aspects of the works and their contribution to advancing queer representativity and visibility in cinema. The awards aim, above all, to highlight films that provoke reflection, challenge stereotypes, and open new paths for diversity and inclusion in audiovisual arts.
We believe that FIRQ+ is a space to celebrate creativity and the stories that often remain on the margins of traditional cinema. We look forward to seeing the innovative productions that will transform our festival and the way cinema can reflect the plurality of human experiences.
The Ruídos Queer+ International Film Festival (FIRQ+) aims to promote diversity, inclusion, and the appreciation of the LGBTQIAP+ community through cinematic art. The 2025 edition will select 28 films, both national and international, that address themes related to gender diversity, sexuality, and identity, while also exploring the interaction between various artistic languages.
Only short films and medium-length films produced from 2020 onwards will be accepted, and they must meet the requirement of being made by teams predominantly composed of LGBTQIAP+ individuals or directed by LGBTQIAP+ filmmakers.
Festival Categories:
The festival has the following main categories:
Documentary
Music Video
Experimental
Fiction
Specific Rules for Categories:
Documentaries: Must address social, political, or cultural issues related to the LGBTQIAP+ community, with a maximum duration of 20 minutes.
Music Videos: Must combine music with other art forms such as dance or theater, with a maximum duration of 10 minutes.
Experimental Works: Must explore innovative techniques and challenge conventions, with a maximum duration of 15 minutes.
Fiction: Fiction films that tell stories related to gender and sexuality diversity, with a maximum duration of 25 minutes.
Submission Requirements:
Embedded subtitles: All submitted films must have embedded subtitles within the film file. Films without embedded subtitles will not be accepted.
This is because, on the Festhome platform, it will not be possible to attach subtitles, posters, or trailers to the submission process if they are not already integrated into the film.
Poster and Trailer: After selection, the filmmaker will be notified and must submit the film's promotional poster in .jpg format and the film's trailer in .mp4 or .mov format, with a public sharing link on Google Drive. The submission must be made within the deadline that will be provided to the selected filmmakers.
The film must not exceed the maximum duration specified for its category.
The film must have been produced from 2020 onwards.
Submission Calendar:
Launch of the Call for Entries: February 10, 2025 (Monday)
Opening of Submissions: February 10, 2025 (Monday)
Closing of Submissions: April 10, 2025 (Monday)
Film Evaluation Period: April 13 to June 13, 2025
Announcement of the Selected Films: June 16, 2025 (Monday)
Festival Dates: July 18 and 19, 2025 (Friday and Saturday)
Selection Process:
Selection Committee: The films will be evaluated by a specialized committee, consisting of 6 professionals from the film industry and related areas.
Evaluation Criteria: The films will be evaluated based on the FIRQ+ pillars: Originality and Creativity, Thematic Relevance, Technical Excellence, Emotional and Social Impact, and Experimentation and Innovation.
Diversity Spots: There will be reserved spots for films made by Black, Indigenous, and Trans LGBTQIAP+ filmmakers, ensuring a diversity of representations.
Announcement of the Selected Films:
The selected films will be announced by June 16, 2025. In addition to the trailer and promotional poster, the filmmakers must submit a 1 to 3-minute video discussing the context of their production.
Awards:
FIRQ+ 2nd Edition offers a total prize pool of R$ 18,800.00, distributed across 11 awards, covering different categories and recognizing the artistic, technical, and thematic excellence of the selected films. The award ceremony, while not mandatory, will be an important opportunity for filmmakers to celebrate their achievements.
Conduct and Confidentiality:
Participants must adhere to conduct and confidentiality standards, promoting a respectful and inclusive environment. The festival opposes all forms of discrimination, violence, or hate speech. All information provided will be treated confidentially and used solely for festival purposes. Failure to comply with these standards may result in disqualification.
Copyright:
Participants must hold all necessary copyrights to display, reproduce, and distribute their works.
FIRQ+ is authorized to screen the selected films during the festival and use clips for event promotion. The selected works will be included in the festival's official gallery for one year.
Accessibility:
FIRQ+ is committed to event accessibility, offering resources such as sign language interpretation, audio description, and descriptive subtitles. The spaces will be adapted for people with reduced mobility.
Disqualification:
Disqualification may occur in the event of non-compliance with the rules, content that incites hatred or violence, or attempts of fraud or plagiarism.
Contact:
For more information or questions, please contact via email: ruidosqueer@gmail.com
Documentary
Short Films >5' 20'<
No Fee
Submissions deadline
10 Apr 25
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This category is dedicated to films that explore social, political, or cultural issues with an investigative or expository approach. Documentaries are expected to offer a deep and sensitive analysis of the topics covered, promoting awareness and reflection on the experiences of the LGBTQIAP+ community. The focus can be on real stories, current events, or historical themes that highlight diversity and challenges faced by the community.
Music Video
Short Films >1' 10'<
No Fee
Submissions deadline
10 Apr 25
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Music videos in this category should combine music with other forms of art, such as dance, theater, or performance. Works should present a creative and innovative approach, exploring new forms of artistic expression through music and imagery. It is desirable that the videos convey meaningful messages and provide a visually impactful experience, reflecting the intersection between sound and visual art.
Experimental
Short Films >3' 15'<
No Fee
Submissions deadline
10 Apr 25
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This category seeks works that challenge traditional cinema conventions through the exploration of innovative techniques and unconventional approaches. Experimental films should demonstrate originality and innovation, presenting new forms of visual storytelling and bold cinematic techniques. It is expected that these films break traditional patterns and offer a unique and provocative experience to the audience.
Fiction
Short Films >5' 25'<
No Fee
Submissions deadline
10 Apr 25
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The fiction category is aimed at films that narrate fictional stories related to gender diversity, sexuality, and identity. Films in this category should present engaging and authentic narratives, exploring the experiences of the LGBTQIAP+ community in a sensitive and respectful manner. The goal is to offer a rich and varied representation of the community's experiences and stories, with special attention to the depth and authenticity of characters and plots.
Below is the link to the festival regulations in English.
https://shorturl.at/jxSeq
