QueerFrames Lab Expands to Southeast Asia with New Mentor Lineup

QueerFrames Screenwriting Lab, the international training platform for emerging queer, trans and nonbinary filmmakers, has announced a major expansion into Southeast Asia for its fourth annual edition. The 2026 cohort brings together storytellers from India, the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia and the global diaspora, each developing a fiction feature where queerness sits at the core of the narrative.

Why Southeast Asia Matters for Queer Storytelling

The region boasts a rapidly growing film industry, a youthful population and a complex tapestry of cultural attitudes toward gender and sexuality. According to a recent report by UNESCO, Southeast Asian cinema is increasingly exploring diverse identities, yet many queer voices still lack institutional support. QueerFrames aims to fill that gap by offering mentorship, development resources and a global network.

New Mentor Lineup Brings Award‑Winning Voices

Three high‑profile creators have joined the mentor roster, each bringing a distinct perspective on queer cinema.

Isabel Sandoval

The Filipino‑American filmmaker behind the critically acclaimed Lingua Franca and the Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner Praying for Lightning will guide writers through narrative structure and authentic representation. Sandoval’s work is celebrated for its nuanced portrayal of trans experiences, making her a valuable resource for the cohort.

Tricia Tuttle

Producer of the Oscar‑shortlisted documentary Elephants in the Fog, Tuttle has a track record of bringing socially resonant stories to the screen. Her expertise in fundraising, festival strategy and cross‑cultural collaboration will help emerging filmmakers navigate the complex distribution landscape.

Anup Poudel

Known for producing the award‑winning Nepali drama Sunrise, Poudel adds a South Asian perspective on independent production. He will share insights on low‑budget filmmaking, regional co‑production agreements and audience engagement across diaspora communities.

The 2026 Cohort: Eight Queer Feature Projects

Selected through a rigorous application process, the eight projects span a range of genres, from romantic drama to speculative fiction. Each story places queerness at the narrative heart rather than treating it as an afterthought.

• “Mango Street” – a Manila‑based love story exploring bisexual identity within a family business.
• “Silk Threads” – a speculative tale set in a future Jakarta where gender can be rewired.
• “The Lotus Garden” – a period drama about a Vietnamese poet navigating same‑sex desire under colonial rule.
• “Crossing Lines” – a Singaporean thriller that follows a trans detective solving a cyber‑crime.
• “Island Echoes” – an Indonesian coming‑of‑age film about a nonbinary youth discovering music.
• “Banyan Roots” – a diaspora story of an Indian queer activist returning home.
• “Rainfall” – a Philippines‑set magical realist piece about love after loss.
• “Neon Horizons” – a sci‑fi narrative set in a future Singapore where identity is coded.

Mentors will meet with each team weekly, offering script notes, production advice and career coaching. The lab also provides access to industry panels, legal workshops and a curated list of potential funders.

What the Expansion Means for Regional Filmmakers

By locating the program in Southeast Asia, QueerFrames reduces travel costs for local creators and fosters a sense of community among regional peers. The initiative aligns with recent policy shifts in countries such as Singapore, where the Media Development Authority has introduced incentives for independent film production.

Moreover, the lab’s partnership with local film festivals, including the Busan International Film Festival, ensures that completed projects have a platform for premiere screenings and market exposure.

How to Apply and Support the Initiative

Applications for the next cohort open in October and close in December. Eligible participants must identify as queer, trans or nonbinary and be in the early stages of a feature‑length script. The application portal is hosted on the official QueerFrames website.

1. Visit the QueerFrames application page.
2. Complete the personal and project questionnaires.
3. Submit a logline, treatment and a short writing sample.
4. Await notification of selection by February.

Donors and cultural institutions can support the lab through sponsorship packages that fund mentorship fees, travel stipends and post‑production grants. Detailed information on partnership opportunities is available on the lab’s Partners page.

The expansion marks a significant step toward diversifying global cinema and amplifying stories that have historically been marginalized. With mentors like Sandoval, Tuttle and Poudel, the 2026 QueerFrames cohort is poised to deliver powerful narratives that reflect the lived realities of queer communities across Southeast Asia and beyond.