Photo Credit: Courtesy of Jack’d
The inaugural Jack’d Film Festival is bringing queer storytelling to the screen. Its lineup features 15 films celebrating queer people of color. The digital festival runs from November 2 through December 3, 2026, exclusively on the Jack’d app.
Announced on November 2 in New York, the festival creates a new platform for queer filmmakers. It allows creators to showcase original stories, connect with audiences and compete for recognition. Additionally, its programming explores racism, HIV/AIDS, homelessness, family relationships and gender expectations.
Jack’d Film Festival highlights established and emerging talent
The inaugural Jack’d Film Festival selected 15 projects from 160 submissions. This represents fewer than 10% of the films received. Moreover, the lineup features established and emerging filmmakers exploring different queer experiences.
Among the featured talent are award-winning actresses Elise Neal and Paula Jai Parker. Tony Award-winning actor, director and playwright John Cameron Mitchell also appears in the lineup.
Additionally, the festival highlights filmmaker Justice Singleton, child of late Oscar-nominated filmmaker John Singleton. Established director Q. Allan Brocka also joins the selection. Award-winning playwright, filmmaker and HIV/AIDS activist Donja R. Love is another featured creator.
Through digital screenings, filmmaker programming and community voting, the festival supports queer creators. Furthermore, it gives them an opportunity to connect with audiences on Jack’d.
15 films explore identity, family and acceptance
The festival’s narrative short film competition features 11 projects. Together, they explore personal experiences and social challenges within queer communities.
One selection is Cockroach, directed and produced by Justice Singleton. The film follows a late-night encounter that takes a surreal turn. A Black trans man and an older gay white man confront unexpected truths. Its cast includes Singleton, John Cameron Mitchell and Elise Neal.
Meanwhile, EKG follows an Asian American doctor exploring queer nightlife. However, he must also confront his difficult relationship with his father.
Another selection, Don’t Hang Up, explores family history and redemption. An unexpected call forces a Missouri matriarch to confront her shared past with a former student.
The lineup also includes home, FLY and What Are We? Are We Going To Be? We Are. Other selections are JARED, The Process, PEPPER, Boys Don’t Do That and Mean Goals.
These films address several important themes. For example, they explore homelessness, artistic ambition, relationships and surrogacy. Additionally, some examine drag performance, family acceptance and gender expectations.
Documentary films explore overlooked experiences
The documentary competition adds another perspective to the festival. It features one documentary feature and three documentary shorts.
First, Tapestry: Reclaiming Our Past, directed by Kris Torres, leads the documentary feature selection. The film explores the lives of Black same-gender-loving men in South Florida.
It examines their experiences with the AIDS epidemic, racism and homophobia. Furthermore, it addresses substance abuse, failed relationships and other social challenges.
The documentary shorts also bring important stories to the screen.
Miss Honey: The Catsuit explores the story behind a memorable drag costume. A fashion mishap inspires Douglas Says to create the cut-out catsuit. Moi Renee’s performance of Miss Honey later made the design iconic.
Meanwhile, Fighting Spaces follows Doc, a semi-professional boxer and military veteran from the Bronx. The documentary explores his early experiences and connection to the leather community.
Finally, Southern Son Shine highlights Black queer men living with HIV in the American South. The film examines stigma and personal challenges. However, it also celebrates vulnerability, joy and resilience.
TS Madison and Dyllón Burnside join festival jury
The inaugural festival will recognize outstanding projects through two awards. These are the Grand Jury Award and the Audience Choice Award.
The jury features influential voices in queer entertainment and culture. Its members include TS Madison, Miss Lawrence, Bobby Ashley, Mike Gauyo and Dyllón Burnside.
The jury will select the Grand Jury Award winner. Meanwhile, Jack’d members will determine the Audience Choice Award through verified votes.
Each eligible member can vote for up to three films. This gives audiences an opportunity to participate directly in the competition.
How to watch the Jack’d Film Festival
The selected films will stream exclusively on the Jack’d app. Screenings run from November 2 through December 3, 2026.
To participate, viewers must download the app for free. They must also create a profile and stream films directly through the platform.
Additionally, users can stream films from an iOS device using AirPlay through Apple TV.
Ultimately, the festival creates a new opportunity for queer filmmakers of color. It brings their stories and perspectives to a wider audience. Through its selection, Jack’d places queer storytelling at the center of its inaugural film festival.
About the Author
