Written by Lily Crossley-Baxter
Researched by Aarohi Narain
The Kansai Queer Film Festival (KQFF) screens a wide range of films on the themes of gender, sexuality, and equality from both Japan and all over the world.
What happens?
There will be over 30 feature and short films from around 13 different countries and regions, from drama to comedy, romance, and documentary.
International films in the past have included works from Argentina, Canada, South Korea, Singapore, Sweden, Spain, Taiwan, Germany, the Philippines, Brazil, France, the United States, and Myanmar.
Lineup 2025
There will be films from the following regions this year: Canada, South Korea, Greece, Thailand, Germany, Japan, Norway, Palestine, France, the United States, Hong Kong, Mexico, and Lebanon.
This year’s highlights include Angry Son, a film about a queer Filipino and Japanese man in Ota City, Gunma, a town known for its migrant-friendly community, and All Should Be Well, a Hong Kong film about the loss of a partner.
There are also special features on women’s lives, and movies that confront themes of colonialism and imperialism. There will also be a special exhibition on comfort women.
Schedule 2025
The festival is now in its 17th year. It’s split across two venues:
Kyoto
Films will be shown in Kyoto at Wings Kyoto (Kyoto City Gender Equality Center) from November 28 to November 30. See the complete screening schedule here.
Osaka
Movies will be shown from December 5 to December 7 at STEP (Toyonaka Gender Equality Promotion Center). See the complete screening schedule here.
Tickets 2025
Advance tickets for the Kansai Queer Film Festival are available online from October 11 (Kyoto until November 27, Osaka until December 4), ranging in price from ¥700 to ¥2,700. Same-day tickets can be bought in cash at the venue if seats remain, and range in price from ¥800 to ¥2,800. All seats are unreserved.
The festival uses a tiered, self-selected pricing system to make participation accessible regardless of income, encouraging a culture of mutual support. The organizers suggest opting for the B tier (¥1,500 advance; ¥1,600 at the door) to support funding for future editions.
Note that doors open 15 minutes before each show, and seats are not guaranteed after the start time.
How to get there
Wings Kyoto is about 12 minutes from Kyoto Station. Simply take the Karasuma Line to Karasuma Oike and walk around 7 minutes to the venue.
STEP is around 20 minutes from Osaka Station. Walk to Osaka-Umeda Station and take the Takarazuka Main Line. Get off at Toyonaka Station, then walk around 3 minutes to the venue.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
