The QueerCineMad festival, previously known as LesGaiCineMad, is set to return to Rivas-Vaciamadrid on 10 and 11 December 2026. This prominent LGTBI-themed film festival will feature meetings with directors, awareness-raising activities, film screenings, and two competitions aimed at local filmmakers.
Details of the competitions
The competitions include the 7th Local Short Film Competition and the 6th Local Project Competition for the creation of LGTBI-themed short films. Both competitions have a submission deadline of 15 November 2026, with a prize of €500 for each winner.
7th local short film competition
Participants must be over 18 years old (or minors with a legal representative) and registered residents of Rivas. Submissions can include short films (fiction, documentary, animation) and narrative audiovisual pieces (such as video art, music videos, or advertisements). The maximum duration is 30 minutes, and all works must be original. The director must be a resident of Rivas, or at least two of the technical or artistic roles—such as photography, editing, acting, scriptwriting, or production—must be filled by local residents.
Selected works will be showcased during the local short film screening on 11 December 2026, where they will compete for the Audience Award for the best local short film, which also carries a €500 prize, subject to applicable tax deductions.
6th local project competition
This competition differs from the previous one as it requires participants to submit a project for a short film rather than a completed film. The project must include a script and a visual and conceptual treatment. The aim is to reward the best LGTBI-themed short film project, whether fiction, documentary, animation, or music video. The project presenter must be a resident of Rivas and play an active role in the project, such as direction, production, scriptwriting, or leading acting roles.
Projects will be presented to the festival audience on 10 December. The winner will receive €500 (less applicable tax deductions) for the production and completion of their short film, which will be showcased at the 2027 edition of QueerCineMad in Rivas.
How to apply
Submissions for both competitions must be sent via email to cultura@rivasciudad.es and djdiaz@rivasciudad.es, with the subject line indicating the relevant competition. Participants must include the completed registration form, which can be downloaded from the Rivas-Vaciamadrid City Council website under the 'Culture' section.
The jury will evaluate the proposals after the presentations on 10 December 2026, based on the criteria outlined above, considering both written and visual materials submitted.
