About the Open Call

Prismatic Ground is a New York festival centered on experimental documentary and avant-garde film, and for the first time accepting performance, music and poetry/live reading submissions. Hosted with media partner Screen Slate at handful of venues across the city, the festival will hold its fifth edition April 29-May 3, 2026 (with a virtual component, in which participation is voluntary,). We seek work that pushes the formal boundaries of non-fiction in the spirit and tradition of experimental filmmaking. This 'spirit' is somewhat amorphous, undefinable, and open to interpretation, but refers to work that engages with its own materiality, privileges a heightened artistic experience over clear meaning, and/or conveys a liberatory political sensibility in the agitprop tradition. For a better — though not exclusive — sense of what we're looking for, you can view lineups of previous festivals on our website: https://www.prismaticground.com/archive. Submissions are reviewed in collaboration with the students of the 'Counter Curating: Alternative Film Festivals' course (NMDS 5452) at The New School.

What is Offered

Festival participation, screening fees for selected works, and exposure within an artistic community.

Requirements

Work that pushes the formal boundaries of non-fiction in the spirit and tradition of experimental filmmaking, engaging with its own materiality, privileging a heightened artistic experience, and/or conveying a liberatory political sensibility. Especially encouraged: Analog exhibition formats (16mm, 8mm); Queer, Trans and BIPOC filmmakers; medium length films; expanded cinema; performance, poetry and music. Work that has already played extensively at other festivals or in NYC prior to the festival, or films completed before May 2025, may not be prioritized.

How to Apply

Submit via FilmFreeway by clicking 'Submit Now' on the festival page. Direct all questions to prismaticground@gmail.com.