Tulsa’s Twisted Arts Film Fest returns with Drag, Comedy and Queer Stories
Making independent film accessible with pay-what-you-can entry
Twisted Arts Film Fest returns to Tulsa September 23–26, 2026, for four days of independent film, drag, comedy, parties and unforgettable stories from around the world. Presented primarily at Circle Cinema, the sixth annual festival will feature five feature films, four short films, live performances and special events under this year’s theme, “Disrupt the Narrative.”
In keeping with Twisted Arts’ commitment to making independent film accessible to the community, all regular film screenings are pay-what-you-can, allowing audiences to choose a ticket price that works for them.
The 2026 lineup travels from a supernatural Mi’kmaq story set in the forests of Canada to 1980s queer Amsterdam, a South African coming-of-age romance and the vibrant ballroom communities of Southeast Asia. The festival also celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the cult classic The Craft with Twisted Arts’ signature Drag Me to the Movies experience.
Twisted Arts Film Fest has always been about creating space for stories and artists who challenge expectations. This year’s films differ from one another, but each disrupts the narrative in its own way. They’re queer, Indigenous, international, funny, frightening, romantic and deeply human. We want people to discover something they might never otherwise get the chance to see on a Tulsa screen.
Founded in Tulsa in 2020, Twisted Arts advances, celebrates, elevates and amplifies artists through independent film and cultural programming that creates space for diverse and underrepresented stories. Through the Twisted Arts Film Fest and year-round programming, the nonprofit brings together artists, audiences and community partners for film, performance and cultural experiences throughout Tulsa.
Festival screenings will be held at Circle Cinema, 10 S. Lewis St., Tulsa, OK, September 23 – 26. For tickets, the complete festival schedule and additional information, visit www.twistedfest.org.
FOUR DAYS. GLOBAL STORIES. ONE TULSA FESTIVAL
AT A GLANCE
Wednesday, September 23 — 7:00 PM
At the Place of Ghosts + The Dysphoria
Pre-screening comedian Zebadiah NoFire
Thursday, September 24 — 7:00 PM
Downtown + Method Cowboy
Friday, September 25 — 7:00 PM
Drag Me to the Movies: The Craft — 30th Anniversary
Friday, September 25 — 9:00 PM
Queerlandia at Starlite Bar
Saturday, September 26 — 3:00 PM
Black Burns Fast + Scissors
Saturday, September 26 — 5:30 PM
10’s Across the Borders + Same Time Next Year?
The Gayly online. 9/19/26 @ 5:59 p.m. CST.