Queer East Festival 2026 Unveils Stellar Line-Up with UK Premieres
Queer East Festival, the celebrated showcase of East and Southeast Asian LGBTQ+ cinema, is set to return for its seventh year in 2026 with an impressive and award-winning selection of films. Running from May 1 to June 6, this vibrant festival promises a diverse programme of feature films, shorts, and documentaries, all exploring the rich and often overlooked queer cultures of the region.
Venues and Programme Highlights
The festival will take place across multiple iconic London venues, including the Barbican and BFI Southbank, as well as cult favourites like Chats Palace. Each screening is carefully curated to highlight the bustling and colourful narratives of East and Southeast Asian LGBTQ+ communities.
Key highlights of the 2026 line-up include:
- A 4K restoration of the Taiwanese queer classic The Outsiders, which will be screened on the opening night at the Barbican.
- 3670, a groundbreaking film that delves into Seoul's dynamic gay scenes.
- Johanna d'Arc of Mongolia, Ulrike Ottinger's 1989 modern classic about an all-female gang of South Asian warriors, last shown at the MoMA.
- Cactus Pears, a Sundance award-winning film, adding to the festival's prestige.
UK Premieres and Special Screenings
Queer East Festival 2026 features numerous UK premieres, offering audiences exclusive access to fresh cinematic voices. Notable premieres include:
- Between Goodbyes, a poignant documentary about Korea's overseas adoption programme from the perspective of queer parents, premiering on May 24.
- A Good Child, a campy and moving Singaporean comedy about a drag queen returning home to care for their mother, premiering on May 9.
Expanded Festival Offerings
Founded by film curator Yi Wang to address the lack of Asian representation in cinema, Queer East has grown beyond screenings. The festival now includes talks and workshops at venues like the Battersea Arts Centre, fostering deeper engagement with the themes and creators behind the films.
Ticket Information and Accessibility
Ticket prices vary, with general screenings typically costing £14-16. Discounts are available for those under 18 or with disabilities. Some venues, such as the Institute of Contemporary Arts, offer £5 tickets for under-25s, making the festival accessible to a wider audience.
For the full 2026 programme, including dates and venues, attendees are encouraged to check the official festival listings, as dates may be provisional and subject to change.
