Festival dossier
San Francisco, United States · Est. 1977 · High structural score (80–100) for legitimacy and industry clout — not limited to Oscar-qualifying festivals
Strong legitimacy signals
Tier A score for legitimacy and industry clout. Still confirm deadlines, fees, and categories on the festival site before paying.
The Frameline Film Festival, also known as the San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, is the world's oldest and largest LGBTQ+ film exhibition, established in 1976 (with the festival running since 1977) and attracting 60,000 to 80,000 attendees annually[1][2]. It showcases a diverse array of films by and about LGBTQ people, including pioneering documentaries, gripping features, delightful shorts, animated comedies, and cinematic classics[1][3]. As the most well-attended LGBTQ+ arts event in the San Francisco Bay Area and a founding member of the North American Queer Festival Alliance, it holds significant status as the premier global celebration of queer cinema with a mission to "change the world through the power of queer cinema"[1][2][5].
Last updated Aug 27, 2026
No red flags found
Founded
1977
Venue
Castro Theatre, Roxie Theater
Screenings
Physical screenings confirmed
Award Categories
8
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Scores are calculated from structural indicators: accreditations, physical screenings, award category count, submission frequency, and acceptance rate. Higher scores reflect more verifiable legitimacy signals.
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