Images Courtesy of Cinema Diverse
LGBTQ+ filmmakers take center stage during Cinema Diverse (September 17-20 & 24-27, 2026), a film festival dedicated to sharing the many perspectives of the LGBTQ+ community. Each year, the festival screens feature films and shorts from around the world that empower and advance the queer community as well as introduce people to worlds and cultures unknown.
Cinema Diverse screens at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, playing films in all three theaters, including the historic Camelot Theatre which seats around 500 people. Now in its 19th year, the festival will feature more than 50 feature films and nearly 100 shorts over two weekends, totaling eight days. Expect several world premieres and an impressive mix of documentaries, compelling narratives, and impactful comedies and dramas. “I am constantly amazed by the diversity of films we receive each year,” says Festival Director Michael Green.
"Our theme this year is 'The Story Continues,’” says Green, “which reflects the need, especially at this moment in history, to keep LGBTQ+ stories in front of people. We are continuing to tell these stories in film, and with Rank & File, our oral history project featuring LGBTQ+ seniors.” The project captures the testimonies of Palm Springs residents from the Baby Boomer and Silent generations as they describe growing up gay in the 1940s, ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. Several new interviews will debut during the festival.
Ready to see some LGBTQ+ films? Tickets and passes are on sale on the Palm Springs Cultural Center website, where you’ll also find the full schedule. In the meantime, take note of these highlights below.
Mineshaft: The Cruising Murders revisits William Friedkin’s controversial 1980 thriller Cruising, starring Al Pacino as an undercover detective investigating a series of murders within New York City’s gay leather scene. The documentary explores the real-life crime that helped inspire the film, the controversy surrounding its production and release, and the cultural landscape of gay life in New York at the time. A Q&A and opening night reception follow the screening.
In Femmenella Ballad, seven transgender people in Naples’ historic femmenelle community detail the bridge between tradition and modern realities. Their stories reveal a culture where identity, spirituality, and community meet. The film will be screened in Italian with English subtitles.
The Divine Tragedy follows Cristian, whose comfortable life is upended when his wealthy longtime partner leaves him. Forced to move in with his younger half-brother Roy, Cristian must adjust to a very different lifestyle and outlook. As the brothers navigate their contrasting personalities, backgrounds and ideas about life, they begin to discover what it means to truly coexist.
Not Your Average Girl watches author and trans rights activist Hope Giselle as she reflects on growing up as a Black trans woman and finding the confidence to live authentically. Her journey ultimately fuels her work as an advocate for trans people and LGBTQ+ people of color.
Veneno, a drifter, joins trucker Eduardo on a journey to Saltillo, Mexico, and finds himself increasingly drawn to his traveling companion. As their connection deepens, Veneno begins to consider the possibility of something more with Eduardo. On the Road explores the hidden world of truckers and the isolation, desire and uncertainty experienced by gay men living on society’s margins.
In Girls and Boys, a Halloween party reunites Charlie, a trans woman, with Jace, an old high school friend who doesn’t initially recognize her. A romantic connection begins to form, but when his rugby teammates realize Charlie is trans, Jace pulls away out of fear of how they will react.
Shot in black-and-white, Punkie follows comedian and Saturday Night Live star Punkie Johnson as she navigates life on the road, career expectations and the pressure to stay true to herself. The intimate documentary captures the humor, uncertainty and self-discovery behind the performer, revealing what happens when the spotlight fades.
An Old World German village is unsettled by the return of Hein, who left the island 14 years earlier as a boy. Now clean-shaven, dressed in modern clothing and nearly unrecognizable even to his mother, who has dementia, Hein must stand trial to prove he truly belongs to the community. Secret romance, buried memories and resistance to change converge in The Trial of Hein.
Learn the Words, Bitch! follows Los Angeles drag performer Tony Soto and his popular lip-sync competition as they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, political backlash against drag and other challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community. Through it all, the monthly event remains a joyful celebration of self-expression, community and queer nightlife. Be there for the world premiere of this short film at Cinema Diverse.
Surviving Voices: AIDS Caregivers looks back at the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic during the 1980s and ’90s through the people who cared for those affected. Doctors, nurses, friends, family members and partners share firsthand accounts of providing care, comfort and support during one of the LGBTQ+ community’s most painful chapters.
The modern witch is reimagined in The Witches’ Pact. An online video inspires a filmmaker to learn about feminist community, belonging, and fantasy. The journey helps document witches as a symbol of resistance, empowerment, and transformation.
A man comes out as gay in his 50s after being married to a woman and fathering children with her. His new beginning forces him to confront uncomfortable truths about himself and his new reality. In Our Family Pride, love, acceptance, and growth take center stage.
The transgender community of Amsterdam is the subject of Trans Rising, which documents the lives of beauty queens, parents of trans children, a former Special Forces police officer, a singer and even the Deputy Mayor of Amsterdam, who also founded the city’s Trans Pride festival.
Heartbroken after being left at the altar, a talented chef heads to Gran Canaria with his best friend. While basking in the island culture, the chef finds himself falling in love with someone unexpected: his best friend’s father. Watch An Island Away From You in Spanish with English subtitles.
In 1958 Los Angeles, Love Loaded follows a glamorous nightclub singer who finds herself caught in a dangerous tangle of romance, rivalry and murder. With tensions rising and nearly everyone hiding something, one wrong move could turn a smoky night out into something deadly. See the West Coast premiere at Cinema Diverse.
To start planning your getaway, see more on Greater Palm Springs LGBTQ+ page and discover plenty to enjoy around town, including hotels, events, and bars, and nightlife options.
Plan your schedule in advance: With more than 50 features and nearly 100 shorts spread across eight days, it helps to review the full schedule before you arrive and plan out your must-see screenings.
Watch for the shorts schedule: Shorts play in blocks of time, around 90 minutes each. Be sure to check the start time of the feature films you want to see and plan around the shorts schedule.
Don’t overlook the second weekend: This isn't Coachella Festival—weekend two isn't a copy of weekend one. A new lineup of feature films and shorts begins September 24.
Try something outside your usual genre: The festival includes documentaries, dramas, comedies, thrillers and international films, making it a good opportunity to discover stories you might not normally seek out.
Check language and subtitle information: Some international selections are shown in their original language with English subtitles, so review individual film listings when planning your schedule.
What is Cinema Diverse?
Cinema Diverse is an annual film festival showcasing feature films and shorts by global LGBTQ+ filmmakers over eight days at the Palm Springs Cultural Center each fall.
When is Cinema Diverse 2026?
Cinema Diverse takes place over two weekends, September 17-20 and September 24-27, 2026.
Where is Cinema Diverse held?
Cinema Diverse is held at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, with screenings taking place across its three theaters, including the historic Camelot Theatre.
Can I buy tickets for individual Cinema Diverse screenings?
Yes, you can purchase a six pack of single screenings for $79. This allows one person to attend six separate screenings. Click here to purchase a six pack of screenings.
Can I buy a pass for the entire festival?
Yes, a festival pass, which grants access to all Cinema Diverse screenings, is available for purchase at $179 per person. Click here to purchase a pass.
How many films are shown at Cinema Diverse?
The 2026 festival features more than 50 feature films and nearly 100 shorts across eight days.
What types of films are shown at Cinema Diverse?
Cinema Diverse features LGBTQ+ documentaries, narratives, comedies, dramas and short films from filmmakers around the world.
Can I volunteer at Cinema Diverse?
Yes, you can apply to volunteer at Cinema Diverse by clicking here. Volunteers get unique experiences, full access to programming, and free popcorn.
Are there Q&As or special events during Cinema Diverse?
Yes. Select screenings include filmmaker Q&As, premieres, receptions and other special programming. Your Mineshaft example gives you a natural reason to include this FAQ.
Are international films shown with English subtitles?
Some Cinema Diverse films are presented in languages other than English with English subtitles. Individual film listings indicate when subtitles are provided.
Where can I find the complete Cinema Diverse schedule?
The complete screening schedule, film information and ticket options are available at the Palm Springs Cultural Center website.
In Greater Palm Springs pride is year-round! Check out these top LGBTQ+ events in the destination and plan your next getaway!