Open City Documentary Festival

About the Open Call

Open City Documentary Festival creates an open space in London to nurture and champion the art of non-fiction cinema. Based at the UCL Centre for Public Anthropology, we deliver training programmes, an annual festival, the bi-annual Non-Fiction journal and events throughout the year that aim to challenge and expand the idea of documentary in all its forms. The 16th edition of Open City Documentary Festival takes place in venues across London between 14th – 19th April 2026 and will present a diverse programme of international contemporary and retrospective non-fiction moving image, audio and cross media, as well as filmmaker Q&As, panels, talks and workshops. Open City Documentary Festival seeks to nurture experimentation within the expanded field of non-fiction cinema, from artists’ moving image to documentary, the essay film, audio and cross-media works. It is a Section B BAFTA Qualifying Festival for the British Short Film award and a BIFA Qualifying Festival for Best British Short.

What is Offered

Selected projects receive standard screening fees (ranging from £70 to £275 for films, and £200 for cross-platform projects, all including VAT). The festival also covers inbound and outbound postage and packing costs for screening copies. The festival provides networking opportunities, professional development through Q&As, panels, and workshops, and potential for media coverage being a BAFTA and BIFA Qualifying Festival.

Requirements

OCDF accepts non-fiction moving image and audio work of all lengths and subject matter, originating from anywhere in the world. Works must be completed after January 1, 2025. All entries must be in English or contain English subtitles. Priority is given to works not publicly screened in London prior to OCDF 2026.

How to Apply

Submit completed entries (Entry Form, Preview Screener, Payment) via FilmFreeway or Vimeo Secure Online Screeners. DVD entries are also accepted, but must be in addition to an online screener. Works-in-progress are considered; please state clearly in the entry form. Resubmissions are only accepted when substantial changes have been made.