MEDIA CITY FILM FESTIVAL 2026 CALL FOR ENTRIES

Media City Film Festival's 2026 Call for Entries: 28th edition

Media City Film Festival’s call for entries for its 28th edition is now open. The festival will take place in person in Windsor–Detroit, September 15–19, 2026.

Follow this link to fill out MCFF’s online entry form (or click the icon below). 2026 Guidelines and detailed instructions are available as you navigate the form. An additional FAQ is available at right.

Entry deadline: May 1, 2026

Acceptance notification: July 2026

Festival dates: September 15–19, 2026

Absolutely no entry fees.

All selected artists receive screening fees.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Media City Film Festival will consider films completed in 2024, 2025, and 2026. Short and long-form moving image artworks will be considered. MCFF reserves the right to determine the method through which we will present the coming edition. All artists will be informed of these decisions in advance of public program announcements.

Questions/Contact

mediacity@houseoftoast.ca

mediacityassistant@gmail.com

© Jack Smith, Untitled c. 1958-1962. Jack Smith Archive, courtesy Gladstone Gallery, New York and Brussels.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. My online entry form is indicating that it’s “incomplete,” and won’t allow me to submit. Is there something wrong?

Please carefully read the instructions on each page to ensure that you’ve completed the necessary fields. A red box will appear next to incomplete fields. When you receive a notice on the final “Entry” page that your form is incomplete, the system will automatically highlight the unfinished section(s) in red. Once you’ve completed these sections you will be able to submit your work.

If you are still having trouble, contact us: mediacityassistant@gmail.com

2. I’ve submitted my entry form. Did you receive it?

The answer to this question is invariably “yes.” The form will generate an automatic confirmation email for both parties. If you have serious concerns, contact us.

3. I have a 16mm or Super 8 film but I don’t have a digital screener. Can I send you a print (or original) for preview?

We’re very sorry, but not this year. We are accepting entries exclusively online. In very rare instances, we may make an exception. If you have questions about this contact: mediacity@houseoftoast.ca

4. My film/video is n style or about x. Do you show work of n or x ilk?

We don’t know until we see it. We suggest perusing the festival history for an idea of our programming. Media City is a festival for artists’ (“experimental” or “avant-garde”) film.

5. Can you show my double/multi-projection or other non-standardized film?

Yes. MCFF can and has shown numerous multi-projections in most gauges or combinations thereof, in all extant aspect ratios, at any frame rate, as well as films shown with the projector turned sideways, looped films, 35mm films run through 16mm projectors, camera originals, films covered in paint, glue, salt, ants, bodily fluids or some other crud, films with gels behind the lens, films with the projector’s registration pin disabled, etc. If your film has unusual projection requirements, please describe them in your support material.

6. Can you show my HD video or Blu-ray, or video in x media or codec or format or aspect ratio?

We prefer to receive ProRes and DCP files for digital projection. If there are unusual requirements for your digital film, please describe these in your support material.

7. I (We) have an installation/performance/unclassifiable extra- or para-theatrical media opus. Can you present it?

Maybe. Media City Film Festival presents this kind of work every year but space, time, and resources for such projects are limited. We recommend sending your proposal well in advance of the deadline and including thorough information about the technical and venue requirements for your project.