LGBTQ+ Film Festivals That Hire: Where to Work, Volunteer and Get Connected

Photo Credit: Hanna Budzko // iStock Photos

By Steffanie Bradley

Film festivals are more than just red carpets and Q&As—they’re also workplaces. During Pride Month, it’s a great time to spotlight LGBTQ+ film festivals that aren’t just showcasing queer stories but hiring and supporting queer professionals behind the scenes. If you’re a freelancer, production assistant, event coordinator, or someone trying to get their foot in the door, these festivals can be a great way to work, volunteer and make connections in queer film and television spaces.

Key Insights:

1. Many LGBTQ+ film festivals hire seasonal crew, volunteers and short-term staff across departments.
2. These festivals offer great networking opportunities and experience in queer-centered programming and production.
3. Getting involved can lead to paid work, valuable connections and a stronger resume.

Outfest (Los Angeles)

One of the largest and most recognized LGBTQ+ festivals in the U.S. is Outfest. It runs multiple programs year-round, but their marquee event is the Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival every summer. They often post temporary paid positions for venue managers, tech crew, box office and volunteer coordinators. Outfest also has an Outfest Fusion festival focused on LGBTQ stories.

Frameline (San Francisco)

Frameline is both the largest and longest-running LGBTQ+ film festival in the world. Their summer festival is a huge production, requiring hundreds if not more seasonal hires for projection, ticketing, event production and communications. Frameline is a great gig for first-time festival workers and interns looking to gain experience.

Bonus: They sometimes offer small stipends even for volunteer-heavy roles.

Inside Out (Toronto)

While this one’s across the border, Inside Out is Canada’s largest LGBTQ+ film festival. They look for seasonal contractors and interns leading up to their May event. They also run a filmmaker development lab and if you’re more into production than events, there are opportunities to assist during filming, pitching, or mentorship weeks.

Visa note: U.S.-based applicants need work eligibility in Canada to be officially hired. However, volunteering is an option if you’re already traveling there.

NewFest (New York City)

NewFest hosts an October festival in addition to year-round screenings and panels. Meaning their programming team often rotates through part-time and freelance support. Keep an eye out in the summer or early fall for application postings, especially in programming, marketing and events.

Vibe check: This one leans into industry networking, so it’s a great choice if you’re trying to move into acquisitions or film development.

Seattle Queer Film Festival (Three Dollar Bill Cinema)

Seattle Queer Film Festival often has opportunities for folks interested in producing community-based programming. They’re known for involving local artists and vendors and are a great pick if you want to build more creative autonomy and feel part of something collaborative and mission-driven.

Getting Involved: Paid vs. Volunteer

While some roles are paid, especially for technical or managerial positions, don’t sleep on volunteer roles. Many festival volunteers move up to paid positions in future years. It’s a great way to gain experience and network. Showing up, being reliable and making friends with the right people at the info desk or green room can make a big difference.

Where to Find Jobs

• Festival websites (check “About” or “Get Involved”)
• Staff Me Up job board
• Social media (especially Instagram + LinkedIn)
• LGBTQ+ film groups and listservs like Film Fatales, Alliance of Women Directors and Brown Girls Doc Mafia

Whether you’re looking for credits, connections, or just a way to be part of something joyful and affirming, working at LGBTQ+ film festivals can be more than a gig. It’s a way to embed yourself in a community that uplifts queer stories—yours included.

Wrapping Up:

• Start small and show up. Volunteering at a festival once can open doors to paid roles in future seasons.

• Use festivals to build both credits and community. These spaces aren’t just about work—they’re about belonging.

• Keep an eye on job boards early. Hiring starts months ahead of festivals, so bookmark your favorites and plan ahead.