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

Media City Film Festival’s call for entries for its 26th edition is now closed. The festival’s upcoming call for entries will be announced in the fall of 2024.

2023 Guidelines and detailed instructions are available as you navigate the form. An additional FAQ is available below on MCFF’s website.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Media City Film Festival will consider films completed in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, along with select works which have previously screened at MCFF virtually during this timeframe (especially those completed on analogue formats). If you submitted work to the festival in 2021, and would like us to reconsider your film for the 2023 edition, you may re-submit. There are no limits on the number of entries you may submit. However, we suggest you be selective.

MCFF will continue to observe the advice of public health officials and reserves the right to implement its own safety measures during its 2023 edition. At this stage the organization is planning to present the festival in person. MCFF reserves the right to determine the method through which we will present the coming edition should local or global health and safety conditions change. All artists will be informed of these decisions in advance of public program announcements.

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 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 and video, so conventional narratives, animations, or music videos are likely not for us.

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

MCFF can and will show numerous multi-projections in most gauges or combinations thereof, films at all extant aspect ratios, and can project films at any fps, films shown with the projector turned sideways, looped films, 35mm films run through 16mm projectors, originals, films covered in paint, glue and salt, bodily fluids, films with gels behind the lens, films with the projector’s registration pin disabled, etc.

If your film has unusual projection requirements, please describe it 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, 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 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 of your project.

8. My work contains appropriated footage or music that I have no permission to use. Do you care?

9. I’m late! Can I have an extension?

Please try to send your entry before the deadline. If you need an extension, contact us with ample notice. Because our form is online this year, we may not be able to accommodate your request. We suggest you make every effort to submit your film on time.