Queens Voted Queens World Film Festival Best Annual Event/Festival 2025!
Nurtured into existence in 2010 by Queens residents and filmmakers Donald Preston Cato and Katha Cato, the Queens World Film Festival offers a platform for creative expression, drives economic growth, and fosters community engagement. To date, it has screened 1,979 films from 98 nations, including 274 films from Queens. The festival also features initiatives like the Pop-Up Film School, Young Filmmakers Program, and The Listening Tour, which records residents discussing hope and resilience. Passion in Action supports emerging creatives, Film Festival Fusion hosts industry panels, and Encore Screenings extend the life of festival films. On March 19, 2020, Queens World was the first to transition online due to the pandemic, showcasing 191 films from 31 countries with 30,000+ views, highlighting its resilience and commitment to mentorship and community-building.
