Rhizome DC and Filament are accepting submissions for our third Film & Video Open Call. Artists and filmmakers from the DMV region are invited to submit short boundary-pushing, genre-defying, or experimental moving picture works for a screening in September 2026. Works shot or projected on film are encouraged to apply. In addition to digital projection, we will provide film projectors so that artists with Super 8 or 16mm prints have the opportunity to screen their work. We also encourage XR (extended reality) submissions but artists working in XR must bring their own playback devices. The maximum runtime is 20 minutes.

Artists must submit their works by completing the submission form. The deadline to submit a film to the open call is July 15. Artists will be notified of their selection by August 1, and the selected films will be screened on Thursday, September 3.

Submission form: https://forms.gle/GkQGWAoqLLgXWos67
Deadline: Wednesday, July 15
Notification: Saturday, August 1
Screening: Thursday, September 3

Rhizome DC also invites proposals for its second microgrant program. Four artists from the DMV region will be awarded microgrants of $200 each towards the production or completion of an original moving picture work with the aim of screening the finished work at the open call screening in September. The categories under consideration include film and video, XR, and expanded formats that incorporate live performance. Underrepresented voices are encouraged to apply, and priority will be given to formally innovative or experimental subjects.

Interested parties must submit examples of their past work and a short paragraph describing the proposed project. Applications for the microgrant will be accepted until June 15, and the selected artists will be announced by July 1. Artists will be paid within a week of acceptance, and the selected films will be screened on Thursday, September 3.

Submission form: https://forms.gle/R9UooEWVf1LsKHGR6
Deadline: Monday, June 15
Notification: Wednesday, July 1
Screening: Thursday, September 3

Rhizome DC is a community-run arts organization, alternative music venue, and DIY screening space founded in 2015. Filament is a new screening initiative building an audience for independent and art films in Washington DC.

Questions and concerns can be directed to info@rhizomedc.org.