QueerFrames Lab Expands to Southeast Asia, Adds Mentors

The QueerFrames Screenwriting Lab, an initiative dedicated to training emerging queer, trans, and nonbinary filmmakers, has announced its expansion into Southeast Asia for its fourth annual edition. This expansion will bring together storytellers from a diverse range of countries including India, the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, and members of the diaspora. The 2026 cohort comprises eight fiction feature projects, each featuring queerness as a central element within its narrative. The lab aims to foster and support LGBTQ+ voices in filmmaking by providing a structured environment for developing compelling stories.

Joining the program as mentors are notable figures from the film industry. Isabel Sandoval, an acclaimed filmmaker known for her work exploring themes of identity and displacement, will contribute her expertise. Tricia Tuttle, a respected programmer and curator, brings her extensive knowledge of film festivals and audience engagement. Additionally, Anup Poudel, the producer of the critically recognized film ‘Elephants in the Fog,’ will also serve as a mentor, offering insights into the production and distribution of independent cinema. These mentors are expected to guide the selected filmmakers through the development process, offering critical feedback and strategic advice.

The QueerFrames Screenwriting Lab provides a comprehensive program designed to nurture emerging talent. Participants receive mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at advancing their projects from script to screen. The lab's commitment to fostering queer narratives is crucial in an industry where LGBTQ+ representation has historically been limited. By focusing on feature film projects, QueerFrames is actively working to increase the visibility and diversity of stories told within the cinematic landscape. The selection process for the 2026 cohort was highly competitive, reflecting the growing interest and talent within the queer filmmaking community.

The expansion into Southeast Asia marks a significant step for QueerFrames, acknowledging the vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ communities and filmmaking scenes across the region. This geographical broadening is intended to create new pathways for storytellers and to facilitate cross-cultural collaboration. The inclusion of projects from countries like the Philippines and Vietnam, which have burgeoning film industries and active LGBTQ+ rights movements, underscores the lab's mission to support global queer cinema. The diaspora representation further ensures a wide array of perspectives are included, enriching the overall creative output of the program. The lab's continued growth highlights its importance as a vital platform for underrepresented voices in film.