Queer Screams returns August 14-16, 2026 to the Clinton Street Theater in Portland, Oregon. Queer Screams is a film festival dedicated to the celebration of LGBTQ+ genre cinema from emerging and established queer artists within the community – locally, nationally and internationally.

Queer Screams is excited to announce that this year’s the recipient of the 2026 Queer Screams Career Achievement Award: Honoring Significant Contribution to Queer Horror Cinema & Culture is the illustrious, multitalented Bryan Fuller. Bryan Fuller is a writer, producer and director, best known for HANNIBAL, PUSHING DAISIES, DEAD LIKE ME and STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. Queer Screams will be hosting a special screening of Bryan Fuller’s directorial debut, DUST BUNNY.

“From Oscar Wilde to Bram Stoker to Mary Shelley to Clive Barker, there is a long illustrious history of Queer storytellers using their experience as outsiders to tell the tales that frighten us. I am so honored to be included in this year’s Queer Screams, celebrating the aliens and the alienated in a community diverse in its solidarity.” – Bryan Fuller

But wait, there’s more! Queer Screams is excited to welcome the wondrous, accomplished actress Nancy Allen, who be presenting a 50th Anniversary screening of CARRIE. Preceding the enduring classic film will be a LIVE in-person “70s Queer Prom”, where promgoers will get to dance to a DJ spinning vinyl and commemorate the night at a photo booth. A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to the WeSPARK Cancer Support Center.

“I’m thrilled to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Carrie with the passionate, welcoming, and wonderfully devoted queer community at Queer Screams. Queer Screams is exactly what film festivals should be: fearless, welcoming, and bursting with passion. I’m thrilled to be here. Maybe this time, I’ll finally get to go to the prom!” – Nancy Allen

Queer horror holds significant cultural weight. It allows us to examine themes of otherness, identity, and societal anxieties in a unique and often cathartic way. Through monsters, ghosts, and the uncanny, these films provide space for marginalized voices to reclaim narratives and challenge dominant perspectives.

“Queer Screams is a truly one-of-a-kind festival. With great films, wonderful programming, and a lovely celebration of all things queer horror.” – Jordan Gustafson (director/filmmaker)

This year’s festival will include: 30 NEW Queer Genre Films, Live Drag Performances, Live Musical Performances, DJ Maxx Bass Spinning Vinyl and a horror Market of Shadows.