Reeling Film Festival

This festival has wrapped for 2026 — it typically returns September 2027.

Reeling 44, Chicago's LGBTQ+ International Film Festival, runs through Sept. 27 at the Music Box, Landmark's Century Centre and Chicago Filmmakers, with 36 features and 59 shorts. The full program and tickets are live.

  • Dates: September 17–27, 2026
  • Where: Music Box Theatre, Landmark's Century Centre Cinema & Chicago Filmmakers
  • Neighborhood: Citywide
  • Cost: Ticketed

How it was

This year's edition is over — the schedule and practical notes below are kept as the record of 2026.

Schedule

  1. Sept. 17–27 — Festival Dates: Screenings at the Music Box Theatre, Landmark's Century Centre Cinema and Chicago Filmmakers.
  2. Now — Program & Tickets Live: The full Reeling44 schedule, individual tickets, passes and memberships are available at reelingfilmfest.org.

What to expect

The 44th Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival, Sept. 17–27, 2026 — 36 features and 59 shorts across 10 shorts programs, screening at the Music Box Theatre, Landmark's Century Centre Cinema and Chicago Filmmakers. Opening night was Netflix's La Bola Negra from Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi; the slate also includes The Brittney Griner Story documentary.

Transit

Music Box (3733 N. Southport): Brown Line to Southport. Landmark's Century Centre (2828 N. Clark): #22 Clark bus or Brown/Purple Line to Diversey. Chicago Filmmakers (1326 W. Hollywood): Red Line to Bryn Mawr.

Bag policy

Standard movie-theater rules at each venue; no outside food/drink. Small bags fine.

Family-friendly

Workable for older teens and adults but not infants — these are films, often serious, often R-rated. The festival has historically programmed family-affirming and youth-LGBTQ-themed films but those are select screenings; check the program guide. Theater seating only, no stroller storage — leave the stroller at home.

Local tips

  1. Do not wait only for marquee titles. Reeling's shorts programs are often the most surprising and best-value part of the festival.
  2. Q&As matter here. Stay after the credits when filmmakers are present; the room conversation is part of the point.
  3. It's closing weekend — check the schedule for remaining screenings before they sell out.
  4. Use membership if you expect to see several screenings; Chicago Filmmakers/Reeling discounts can change the math.
  5. Check content notes in the program. Reeling includes joy, sex, politics, trauma, archival work, and experimental material.

Frequently asked questions

When is Reeling 2026?

September 17-27, 2026, according to current Reeling 2026 hiring/sponsorship materials on the official site.

Are tickets on sale?

Not yet from the public site reviewed here. Ticket and pass details should be confirmed once the 2026 program launches.

What kind of films does Reeling show?

International LGBTQ+ narrative features, documentaries, shorts, special screenings, and filmmaker conversations.

Is this the same as Chicago Pride events?

No. Reeling is a film festival and year-round queer cinema institution, not a parade or street fest.

Official festival information