SF-based film festival kicks off 22nd year
By Michelle Fitzhugh-Craig, shades Magazine
Acknowledging the need for continued work towards a more just world that provides liberating joy along the way, the Queer Women of Color Media Arts Project (QWOCMAP) will kick off its 2026 film festival season this weekend in San Francisco.
“We Resist, and We Roll” is the theme of the 22nd annual International Queer Women of Color Film Festival (QWOCFF), which again promises to showcase a diverse and unique mix of creative work, June 12-14, at the Presidio Theatre, 99 Moraga Ave.
There will be a total of 50 films shown –– 34 will screen during in-person showings and 45 of them during the encore. And organizers continue to keep inclusivity first in mind with fully accessible seating and accommodations at the Presidio; an online encore of films with open captions and audio description; satellite screenings at additional ADA-accessible venues with open captions; and more.
The three-day event is free and open to the public (tickets are required) –– two of the reasons people from across the Bay keep returning to the festival each year.
Festival Manager Nace DeSanders said people also feel a sense of community when attending the festival … a welcoming space where everyone treats each other like friends.
“Many attendees tell us they feel a sense of belonging here that they don’t find elsewhere,” DeSanders said. “Whether someone is a filmmaker, audience member, volunteer, sponsor or first-time guest, they’re welcomed into a community that values connection, creativity and care.
“People come for the films, but they return because of the relationships they build and the feeling of being part of something larger than themselves,” DeSanders added.
For the 2026 season, festival organizers have worked hard to create new opportunities for attendees when they aren’t busy screening one or more of the films.
“From our Opening Night Party Bowl, to the Industry Brunch where filmmakers can build relationships that may lead to future career opportunities, to our Festival Reception featuring live music, we’ve designed spaces where people can celebrate, network and have fun together,” DeSanders said. “We’re also excited about our vendor area, where attendees can support local artists and businesses, and our Glambot experience, which gives everyone a chance to feel fabulous and capture a memorable moment from the festival.”
This year’s theme speaks to the current climate in this country when it comes to the LGBTQ+ communities. The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has declared a National State of Emergency for these targeted groups in response to an “unprecedented and dangerous spike in anti-LGBTQ+ legislative assaults sweeping state houses this year.” This has caused a backlash for many who are only trying to live their lives in peace and as equals.
“For 26 years, QWOCMAP has been creating spaces where queer and transgender Black, Indigenous and People of Color can tell our own stories, in our own voices and on our own terms,” DeSanders said. “The festival is more than a showcase of films. It’s a celebration of community, creativity and collective liberation.
“At a time when many of our communities face increasing challenges, gathering together to share stories, joy and connection feels more important than ever,” she added. “We hope everyone who attends leaves feeling inspired, energized and reminded that our stories matter.”
Michelle Fitzhugh-Craig is the Founder and Publisher of shades Magazine — Celebrating All Women of Color, Senior Editor/Writing Coach with Contra Costa Youth Journalism and Owner of MFC3 Media. She has been an editor, reporter/writer, author and storyteller for more than 25 years. The award-winning journalist also is an experienced university-level instructor and middle school literacy TSA.