The 6 Queer Short Films at Sundance 2026
Of the 28 total films I watched, just six of them were queer or featured queer characters in some way.

An anti-war tale of the chimney sweep, Peroo , who led his country to victory by using "Eggs from Soldiers". He makes a triumphant return to his hometown, but the way is lined with rubble, corpses, and brand new grave markers.. Approximately 20,000 frames of shadow puppet animation produced independently by "Doeisha", which is organized by 10 amateurs, mainly Doshisha University students.
Of the 28 total films I watched, just six of them were queer or featured queer characters in some way.
The Magician's Elephant has a strong multicultural cast and a heartwarming story about bringing two long-lost siblings back together
Tran Quoc Bao succeeds in telling us a story about martial arts, human decay, and friendship. The originality shown by his filmmaking is admirable and brings fresh air to the classic Chinese martial arts genre.
For the entirety of Raiders of the Lost Ark, Marion remains in full control of both her body and her personality, a rarity for female characters at the time of the film’s release. She’s granted depth with personal demons from her past and emotional vulnerability when the situation deems it appropriate for her to grow alongside Indy. She avidly rejects the notion of being anything other than a sassy, humane rebel, and Indy’s equal in every way. This she does while still maintaining her femininity.
Netflix’s new rom-com, Voicemails for Isabelle (dir. Leah McKendrick), isn’t just heartwarming, funny, and an achievement in female directing - it’s also an instant classic. Following 20-something aspiring baker Jill (Zoey Deutch), Voicemails for Isabelle tells a story of grief, self-discovery, and fateful connections. Ever since her beloved sister Izzy’s (Ciara Bravo) death, Jill has been leaving her hilarious, extremely TMI voicemails about her chaotic love life and miserable day job as a prep cook. Little does she know that a handsome and unsatisfied real estate agent in her hometown has inherited the number and practically fallen in love with her by listening to her stories.
Darren Arronofsky focuses on diverse and heartbreaking stories about the human experience.