Vimeo is home to some of the most impactful and unique queer short films that offer diverse perspectives on love, identity, family, and resilience. These short films highlight the LGBTIQIA+ experience through a wide range of styles and narratives, showcasing the talent and creativity within the queer community.
We've curated a list of some of the best queer short films that you can find right now on Vimeo. Each selection offers a unique lens, combining rich visuals with emotional depth. Dive in and discover these fresh voices and important narratives.
For more, visit Vimeo’s LGBTQIA+ Voices Channel →
Christopher at Sea
Creator: Tom C J Brown
Categories: Animation
Christopher leaves his old life behind to embark on a cargo ship crossing the Atlantic. Hoping to discover what draws so many men to sea, he becomes captivated by a chance encounter with an engineer under moonlight. His journey spirals into an intense exploration of desire, obsession, and isolation. The short blurs fantasy and reality in a gorgeously animated reflection on queer identity and inner longing. Christopher at Sea was selected for the Venice Film Festival, making it one of the most acclaimed queer animated shorts in recent years.
Watch “Christopher at Sea” now →
Familiar
Creator: Manifest
Categories: Drama
Steve is forced out of his home by his parents, who reject him for being gay. Wandering alone, he meets Caroline, who struggles to cope with the loss of her motherhood while accompanying Youri, her partner, on tour. Their paths cross in mysterious and unsettling ways, blending tragedy with companionship. This short mixes psychological thriller elements with themes of rejection and unexpected connection. Familiar won the 2025 Vimeo Staff Pick Award at SXSW, highlighting its gripping impact and emotional resonance.
Watch “Familiar” now →
Will You Look At Me
Creator: Shuli Huang
Categories: Documentary
A young queer filmmaker returns to his hometown of Wenzhou after spending time in New York. Separated from his lover, who is moving to Belgium, he faces emotional conversations with his mother, who refuses to accept his sexuality and pressures him to live a “normal” life. Through intimate moments and painful exchanges, the short captures the tension between personal freedom and cultural expectations. Will You Look At Me won the Short Film Jury Award at Sundance, making it a standout example of global queer cinema.
Watch “Will You Look At Me” now →
If I Die in America
Creator: Ward Kamel
Categories: Drama
A young Arab American man fights for the right to grieve his husband after his traditional Muslim in-laws demand the body be sent back to the Middle East just hours after his sudden death. The story captures the quiet pain of navigating cultural expectations while mourning, exploring the internal battle between personal loss and family duty. It’s a poignant look at intersectional identity, love, and the struggle for personal freedom. If I Die in America had its world premiere at SXSW, earning critical praise for its honest portrayal of cultural conflict.
Watch “If I Die in America” now →
Starfuckers
Creator: Antonio Marziale
Categories: Drama
In a glossy Hollywood hotel room, a young aspiring actor meets with a powerful film director. What begins as a transactional encounter soon shifts when a familiar face arrives, bringing buried truths to light. Tension builds as the young man takes back control, challenging the system that objectifies him. It’s a stylish, sharp critique of power, desire, and revenge within queer spaces. Starfuckers premiered at Sundance, gaining attention for its bold visual storytelling and provocative narrative.
Watch “Starfuckers” now →
The Beauty President
Creator: Breakwater Studios Ltd.
Categories: Educational, Documentary
In 1992, activist Terence Alan Smith ran for President of the United States as his drag queen persona Joan Jett Blakk. This documentary dives into her fearless campaign during the AIDS crisis, mixing activism with performance. Through interviews and archival footage, it celebrates protest and the power of queer visibility. It’s a story about using joy and spectacle as tools for political change. The Beauty President premiered at SXSW and has been widely celebrated for reviving a pivotal moment in LGBTQ political history.
Watch “The Beauty President” now →
The Things You Think I’m Thinking
Creator: Sherren Lee
Sean, a gay burn survivor and amputee, nervously embarks on his first date after his accident. Throughout the evening, he battles fears about how others see him and whether he can be loved again. The short takes us inside his thoughts, revealing his internal dialogue and insecurities. It’s a moving look at vulnerability, self-acceptance, and rediscovering intimacy. The Things You Think I’m Thinking won Best Canadian Short at the Inside Out LGBT Film Festival, underlining its emotional resonance.
Watch “The Things You Think I’m Thinking” now →
How to Make a Rainbow
Creator: Maxey Fish
Categories: Documentary, People
Filmed over two years, this documentary follows a young girl and her mother as they move through life’s transitions. From shifting homes to exploring gender identity, the story unfolds through simple, tender moments. It's a quiet but powerful portrait of family love and resilience. The film shows how personal identity blossoms even through life’s hardships. How to Make a Rainbow was awarded the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary Short at Outfest, affirming its uplifting message.
Watch “How to Make a Rainbow” now →
Lavender
Creator: Searchlight Shorts
A young gay man becomes entangled in the lives of an older married couple. Drawn in by their world, he begins to realize the hidden emotional costs of their dynamic. The story moves beyond desire to explore the loneliness and complexities of queer relationships. Subtle and intimate, the film captures the search for connection in unexpected places. Lavender premiered at Sundance and before being acquired by Searchlight Pictures and released as a Vimeo Staff Pick Premiere. .
Watch “Lavender” now →
For Nonna Anna
Creator: Luis De Filippis
A young trans woman takes care of her elderly Italian grandmother. Despite cultural differences and unspoken tensions around trans identity, their days together reveal moments of shared vulnerability. The story shines in its simplicity, showing how care builds connection beyond words. It’s a touching glimpse into family, identity, and unconditional love. For Nonna Anna won the Special Jury Prize at Sundance, recognized for its authentic portrayal of trans identity and family bonds.
Watch “For Nonna Anna” now →
Vimeo is your destination for queer storytellers and LGBTQ content
Vimeo is your destination for original and unforgettable LGBTQ short films. Each of these shorts brings a fresh perspective on love, identity, and resilience. Discover your next favorite filmmaker and explore even more inspiring queer stories.
For more, visit Vimeo’s LGBTQIA+ Voices Channel →
