Beijing’s annual independent queer film festival, one of the country’s longest-running events dedicated to LGBTQ+ themes, has been cancelled amid reports of sustained harassment by authorities. The festival, which was scheduled to begin this week, is the only event in mainland China providing a public platform for films and discussions focused on queer issues.

Founded in 2001 by students from Peking University, the Beijing Queer Film Festival has historically offered a space for exploring LGBTQ+ narratives, themes largely marginalized in Chinese society. In recent years, however, the Chinese government has increased restrictions on feminist and LGBTQ+ discourse, with cultural events such as film festivals facing intensified scrutiny. These gatherings are considered sensitive by authorities because they often highlight perspectives that diverge from the Communist Party’s official ideology.

Organizers indicated in a statement on Instagram that the festival had been cancelled. They expressed regret for any inconvenience or disappointment caused, without providing further details about the reasons behind the decision. Attempts to reach Beijing’s public security bureau for comment were unsuccessful.

The festival’s cancellation follows a pattern of clampdowns on independent film events in China. Notably, the Beijing Independent Film Festival, a prominent non-governmental film event, was forcibly closed in 2014 after its founders were detained and electricity to its venue was cut off. Last year, a Chinese independent film festival planned in New York was also cancelled following reported harassment by Chinese authorities, raising concerns about transnational repression.

Human Rights Watch deputy Asia director Maya Wang attributed the growing crackdown to a broader effort by the government under President Xi Jinping to tighten social and ideological control. “Any activities outside of those sanctioned by the party-state are subjected to intensifying scrutiny and often also official harassment,” Wang said.

Hongwei Bao, a professor of Chinese studies at the University of St Andrews, described the festival as “a beacon for LGBT resilience” in China and warned that its closure would have a chilling effect on the queer community.

The incident underscores the challenges faced by independent cultural events in China, particularly those that engage with sensitive social topics, amid a broader crackdown on civil society and freedom of expression.