QueerFrames Lab is expanding into Southeast Asia with a new cohort

The QueerFrames Screenwriting Lab is set to expand into Southeast Asia for its fourth annual edition. This initiative, aimed at emerging queer, trans, and nonbinary filmmakers, will include storytellers from India, the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, and the diaspora. The 2026 cohort features eight fiction feature projects, all centered around themes of queerness.

"We are excited to expand our reach and support diverse voices across Southeast Asia,"

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said Isabel Sandoval, one of the mentors involved.

The expansion of the QueerFrames Screenwriting Lab into Southeast Asia is an exciting move that can really open doors for queer filmmakers in the region. It's great to see support for diverse voices, especially from countries where representation can often be lacking. However, I hope the lab also prioritizes providing tangible resources and mentorship to help these storytellers navigate their projects beyond just the initial workshop phase. Engaging with the local film communities and their unique challenges can make a significant difference in how these stories resonate globally. It's all about creating a bridge between creativity and practical support to ensure these projects thrive.