OPEN CALL: REJECTED FILMS
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We resist the rules of the art market, festival policies, name and title dropping. We are deeply critical of the lack of openness of institutions. We are tired of the same old names being shown over and over again. We want to see what has been unduly disregarded. We want those in the back to come forward.
And yet, we keep submitting. Writing synopses, thinking about why this film might be relevant, and pretending to be full of confidence. Sometimes even paying to submit our films to festivals, competitions, and funding programs. And then we keep reading the same phrases over and over again:
Unfortunately, we weren’t able to find a place for your film this time.
We regretfully are not able to screen your work.
We have watched your film with great interest, but we must inform you that it has not been selected for this year's program.
They ask for understanding and emphasize the high number of submissions.
This has been disillusioning and frustrating until now.
This is an invitation to a radically different screening.
Send us your most unpopular films.
Films that were repeatedly rejected but that you yourself like.
A film you want to show because you think it is good.
All submitted films will be screened.
No film will be rejected.
No jury, no submission fee, no synopsis.
The only requirement is a screenshot of the rejection notification.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- independently produced films (without funding; no student projects made as part of studies)
- the film must have been rejected and must not have been screened at any festival – please attach a screenshot of the rejection notice.
- you think the work is good and it is important to you to show it.
- production date: any date is fine!
- maximum twenty minutes, shorter preferred
- please submit only one film per person
- format: digital or analog (Super 8 / 16mm, projectors available)
- deadline: 31.12.2025
- send us your film via screening link or download file to onlyrejections@gmail.com
The films will be screened in February and March at four events in four different off-spaces. We want to be independent from institutions and show the films at venues provided free of charge.
Save the dates:
Thursday, 19.02.2026, 19:30 | Celeste Vienna with an karaoke after-party
Thursday, 05.03.2026, 19:30 | filmkoop Vienna
Thursday, 26.03.2026, 19:30 | SAE Institute Vienna