Sleepy Eyes Film festival – OPEN CALL
We’re all set to welcome experimental silent films from all over the world for the first edition of Sleepy Eyes Film Festival. The video works will be situated in the public sphere. The event will take place from 6 to 14 February 2026 in the city center of The Hague. We screen films without sound in the windows of the historic façades of Westeinde, one of the oldest streets of the city. The films screenings appear from 8pm until deep in the night for 8 consecutive nights.
Strong visualization and diversity is key. We are seeking films and lens based works that expand our perception of film: experimental, visual narrative, non-narrative, artists expression, visual poetry, performative, playful, profound, disruptive, abstract, text in frame, loops. We haven’t encountered any limits, yet. Proposals for film installations and multi-screen projections are also welcome. Our curators will do their best to create an interesting interaction between the films and the local architecture. Sleepy Eyes is a non-competitive festival, we prefer art over prizes.
Eligibility
Any experimental works completed from 2020-2025 are eligible. No length restrictions, but be aware that visitors walk in and out of your film at any moment. Therefore, short movies and endless movies (looping without credits) work best. Multiple entries are allowed with a maximum of three. By submitting your film to Sleepy Eyes Film Festival, you acknowledge that you own or have all the rights to the submitted film and agree that you shall be bound by the following terms & conditions:
Formats
The films may have any format: vertical, horizontal, 16:9, 9:16, 4:3, 1:1 or any other size or shape, as long as it is can be delivered as mp4. Films are shown without sound in a continuous loop, rear projected from the inside of the space on static foil on the window. Keep this in mind.
Preview Screeners: Entries should be submitted for preview as an online streaming video, either on FilmFreeway of via sleepyeyesfilmfestival@gmail.com in combination with a streaming URL (Vimeo/YouTube link with password).
Exhibition Format: Digital File .mp4 format – If selected, your digital file should arrive no later than January 18, 2026.
Fee
We are in the process of organizing a small viewing fee to support the artists, but we have to be patient and are still awaiting for funding for this. By submitting you are agreeing to not request a screening fee as a requirement for your film’s participation in the festival.
Selection process
Submitted films will be reviewed by our panel of curators. We offer two deadlines on December 13 and Januari 2. The first selection will take place in December. Entrants will be notified of their judging status by January 12, 2026.
Authorization
By entering the festival, the entrant authorizes a public screening of the work in the festival and agrees to provide an exhibition file for the period of the festival. Once a film is submitted for entry, it may not be withdrawn. Sleepy Eyes Film Festival is hereby granted the right to to use parts of your film for promotional purposes of the festival.
Submit
- via FilmFreeway Sleepy Eyes Film Festival
- via e-mail sleepyeyesfilmfestival@gmail.com with a streaming URL (Vimeo/YouTube link + password) Additional information of max. 2 pages (film description + bio/CV) is possible. For film installations, we also expect a clear description in words and images.
Dates
Early deadline: 13 December 2025
Regular deadline: 2 January 2026
Result: 12 January 2026
Sleep Eyes Film Festival: 6 — 14 Februari 2026
