The Queer Spectrum Film Festival

Presented by Queer Asian Pride Ireland, the 2026 edition of the Queer Spectrum Film Festival centers on the theme 'Tender Migrations: Queer Journeys Through Desire, Transition, and Healing.' This third installment features a curated selection of 26 films from across the globe, including several exclusive Irish premieres. The program is designed to move beyond traditional narratives, focusing instead on the emotional and physical transitions of those navigating new cultures and identities.

Notable segments of the 2026 lineup include the 'Living with HIV' program, which addresses historical erasure and resilience, and 'Our Intimate Colours,' a collection of shorts celebrating queer joy and vulnerability. Featured works such as 'Treat Me Like Your Mother' and 'OUT LAWS' provide critical perspectives on trans visibility in Beirut and the legacy of colonial-era laws in Namibia and Sri Lanka. Beyond the screen, the festival hosts panel discussions with international activists and filmmakers, fostering dialogue on race and the concept of chosen family.

A significant addition to this year's event is the Spectrum Lab, a development initiative aimed at supporting underrepresented creative talent within the media industry. The festival has also evolved into a commissioning body, showcasing original short films created by queer migrants specifically for this edition. Supported by Screen Ireland, the event serves as both a cultural platform and a nurturing space for the 'New Irish Queerness' emerging within the migrant community.