Celebrate queer film in the high desert!
29 Queer Film Festival: 2nd Edition
Following the incredible success of our inaugural year, the 2nd Annual 29 Queer Film Festival returns to Theatre 29 with even bigger films, special guests, and unforgettable surprises!
This year’s festival showcases bold new voices in queer cinema with a dynamic program of features, shorts, music videos, and live events—all dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ creativity and storytelling. With panels, performances, and premieres set against the stunning backdrop of the Mojave, we're continuing to make Twentynine Palms a destination for queer film lovers and desert dreamers alike.
At the heart of it all is our commitment to community. Theatre 29, one of Twentynine Palms’ most beloved cultural institutions, plays host to three days of connection, conversation, and celebration. Whether you're local or visiting, queer or an ally, the festival invites you to be part of a growing tradition—one that embraces the vibrant spirit of the high desert while spotlighting the global richness of queer experience.
About the Festival
The 29 Queer Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing the creativity and diversity of queer filmmakers from the high desert and around the world. Our festival offers an intimate yet dynamic program that includes narrative and documentary features, short films, music videos, and special presentations. With screenings, panels, and performances, the festival aims to foster dialogue, inspire new ideas, and promote LGBTQ+ representation through the art of cinema.
Our Mission
The 29 Queer Film Festival is more than just a film festival; it is a platform for cultural exchange and artistic expression. We aim to highlight the stories and voices of the LGBTQ+ community, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of queer experiences. By partnering with local businesses, artists, and community organizations, we integrate the unique charm and spirit of Twentynine Palms into our festival.
Why Twentynine Palms?
Twentynine Palms, a gateway to the iconic Joshua Tree National Park, is known for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant artistic community. Our festival not only showcases incredible films but also invites attendees to explore the natural beauty and rich culture of this unique desert town. From outdoor adventures to local art scenes, Twentynine Palms offers a perfect setting for a film festival dedicated to diversity and creativity.
Visit 29 Palms Event Grant Support
We are grateful to be the recipients of an event grant from Visit 29 Palms! Having the support of our city, through the Tourism Business Improvement District, is so meaningful to our little festival. Check out their website for lodging and places to stay.
Submissions
Submissions for the 2025 festival are now open on our FilmFreeway page.
Join Us
Whether you're a filmmaker, a film lover, or someone seeking a queer desert experience, the 29 Queer Film Festival welcomes you to join us for three days of inspiring cinema, engaging discussions, and unforgettable moments. Come celebrate the power of queer storytelling in the enchanting setting of the Mojave Desert.
Festival Organizers
Graham Kolbeins (they/he) is a Canadian queer filmmaker, writer, and designer. They are the director of the feature documentary Queer Japan, a kaleidoscopic portrait of sexuality and gender identity in contemporary Japan. Their short films include “The House of Gay Art” and “PAISA,” with co-director Dorian Wood. Kolbeins’ documentary web series, Rad Queers, profiled subjects including visual artist Edie Fake and Latinx leather organization Payasos L.A. In 2016, the Japan-U.S. Friendship Council named Kolbeins a recipient of their Creative Artists Exchange Fellowship. They are most recently the director of “Outage,” a sci-fi family comedy shot in the high desert.
Jonathan Andre Culliton (Producer/Writer/Director) is a trans filmmaker based out of Victoria, British Columbia. Born in Boston, MA and a graduate of NYFA, Culliton’s work often includes LGBTQ themes, like in Michael Yip's "The Gay Mafia," Sarah Taborga's "Dear Queer Dancer" and Heather Muriel Nguyen's "Thơ." He is best known for "Bombshell," available on Amazon, and "Spookable," executive produced by Zackary Drucker and starring Alexandra Grey, which premiered at the Maryland Film Festival in May 2024. His film “Willa Justice: Drag Queen Private Eye,” starring Lady Chilane and Scott Turner Schofield, was awarded a Filmmaker Fund Grant from Out on Film. Culliton is the host of the Trans Cinematic Universe Podcast, an immersive deep dive into trans and queer cinema. He most recently produced "Outage," a sci-fi family comedy from writer/director Graham Kolbeins.
Nena Jimenez has been a vital presence at Theatre Twentynine for over 20 years, contributing her talents both onstage and behind the scenes. She first collaborated with Graham Kolbeins when she directed The Witches at Theatre 29, later joining Graham and Jonathan on their film Outage.
In 2024, Nena was part of the tech team for the inaugural 29 Queer Film Festival. She now returns in 2025 as Co-Director, continuing to shape and expand the festival’s vision while still lending her expertise in technical production.
Beyond her work in the arts, Nena leads Nena’s Pink Coyotes, a fundraising group that supports Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). CHOC is one of the few hospitals treating Niemann-Pick Type C, a rare condition Nena herself was diagnosed with at age 19.
Nena is deeply grateful for the opportunity to help create spaces for queer storytelling and community, and for the friendships she’s made along the way.
