Queens Underground International Film Festival

Overview

It's Time To Celebrate You The 2026 Queens Underground International Film Festival & The South Carolina Black Film Festival Date & Location: Saturday–Sunday, 10/10/2026–10/11/2026 Featured At The South Carolina State Museum, Downtown Columbia, SC Submissions are open for the 2026 Season where Independent Filmmakers shine on the Big Screen. This Season will be hosted as more of a Conference with Discussions and 3 (three) Workshops to learn, increase capacity and share knowledge. Indie Filmmakers are the artists of the Big Screen who are our Voice and represent our Voices , reflecting the world around us. Open for Drama, Action, Comedy, Sci Fi, Animation, Horror, Ai, Verticals and Historical Reenactments, let's see you on the Big Screen on October 10th and 11th. in the midst of major Industry and Societal changes. With over 20 Film Festivals and Movie Nights, we've partnered with the South Carolina Black Film Festival to expand your reach and enjoy the hospitality, scenery and activities of the South. Welcoming first‑time creators, seasoned pros, and anyone who loves original cinema. The dress theme this Season is the "Black Cowboy on the Red Carpet". Grab your Cowboy gear and meet us at the Museum. What to expect: -Screenings across genres, spotlighting independent and Black cinema -Three interactive "How To" workshops -A Panel & A Roundtable with industry guests and filmmakers -Networking opportunities for creators and fans -Awards and special recognition for standout shorts and features -Free Museum Entry and Free Parking Who should attend: Filmmakers, actors, producers, industry professionals, students, critics, and Movie Lovers. Click to Submit today and take advantage of Early Bird Discounts while we look forward to hosting you and your Team at the next Festival where your Talent takes Center Stage. AWARDS CATEGORIES: -Best Drama -Documentary Short -Best Sci Fi -Best Horror -Best Ai -Best Comedy -Best Animation -Best Historical Reenactment -Best Western -Best Web Series Episode -Best Vertical Movie -Best Actress -Best Actor -Best Cinematography PLEASE NOTE: THE SOUTH CAROLINA BLACK FILM FESTIVAL AND THE QUEENS UNDERGROUND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ARE THE SAME FESTIVAL. Submit several entries or submit to several categories by following the requirements and submitting within the deadlines. Open Invitation to submit from Anywhere in the World! Follow Us On Instagram: @Queens_Underground_Film_Fest Email: QueensUnderground718@gmail.com Visit: QueensUndergroundFilmFestival.com to learn more and stay updated, enter, and purchase screening tickets.

Last updated Sep 18, 2026

Legitimacy Analysis

Trust Signals

Festival Details

FilmFreeway communityGold festival

• Filmmaker

  Incredible experience with creative filmmakers and supportive people. Honored to have won Best Doc and thrilled to have made new industry contacts.

• Filmmaker

  Very nice and responsive crew. Thanks so much for official selection. Greatly appreciated. Rita Weyls

• Filmmaker

  I’m so grateful to the Queens Underground International Film Festival for selecting my short film Soul Tide to be screened. It’s a wonderful festival that celebrates creativity and diverse storytelling, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to have Soul Tide included among such inspiring works.

• Filmmaker

  Delighted to have my film Drum Calls selected for this festival. Could not attend because the team is based in Europe, but felt very welcome and impressed with the programming and communication. Loses one start on comms/networking because submissions were based on the expectation that the festival would be in Queens, New York and it was not! But the South Carolina Museum venue still sounds impressive. Thanks to all the team!

• Filmmaker

  The Queens Underground International Black History Film Festival feels less like an event and more like a gathering of memory keepers. The communication from the team was clear, timely, and respectful of filmmakers’ time and work — which already sets a tone of care before arrival. Once inside the space, the hospitality carried that same intention. You are welcomed as a contributor to culture, not simply content on a schedule. The audience was engaged and present, and conversations extended beyond screenings into meaningful dialogue and connection. Networking here didn’t feel transactional — it felt communal. Artists, organizers, and viewers shared space in a way that honored both craft and cultural responsibility. This festival understands that film is not only entertainment; it is preservation, education, and activation. The programming reflects that awareness, centering stories that expand historical consciousness while embracing innovation in form and voice. For filmmakers whose work carries history, identity, or social reflection, this festival provides alignment — not just exposure. It is a space where your film is seen, heard, and contextualized. I would gladly return and encourage others creating intentional cinema to submit.

FilmFreeway reviews are filmmaker opinions, not our score. Cross-check red flags before paying fees.

Related Festivals in United States