Autumn/Winter Open Call - we are now accepting submissions for our next editions of MicroActs, evenings of artist short film!

This open call is for our next two editions of 2026, which will take place in September & December this year. Each edition will showcase a selection of exciting & inspiring Artist Film from all over the world; the selected submissions will be notified which edition they are curated in.

These screenings will take place in London and, hopefully, beyond. We’ve been expanding this year, showing our Spring & Summer programmes in Suffolk as well as our central screening in London, and we hope to continue this in our Autumn & Winter events. These screenings are free to attend (or low cost/pay-what-you-can) and open to all, we are passionate about creating economically accessible screenings to share experimental personal stories. We celebrate artist filmmakers from around the globe & across genres, and aim to create an international spirit and champion empathetic creativity.

Alongside the in-person screening events, we have launched our streaming platform via YouTube, allowing our international filmmaker community to join in with the screening and see the films! We stream the programme for 1 week after our live screenings on our YouTube channel to give every time zone a chance to tune in. Again, this programme is accessible for free.

...short stories...small rebellions...mini manifestos...personal fables...snippets of memory…

MicroActs is a program of short films, 6 minutes or less, exploring concentrated storytelling through moving image. From bold political expression to delicate personal memories to abstract experimental collages; MicroActs aims to create a thought-provoking, informative and diverse evening of film. Works can be narrative or non-linear, experimental or scripted, abstract emotions, comedy sketches, music videos, and more, MicroActs is looking for works that share unique perspectives, intersectional experiences and tell stories.

Founded in 2017, MicroActs's free screening events take place approximately every quarter, with the aim of these evenings to champion subjective & personal political moving image works, promote artist film in London, and create a community of artists & filmmakers sharing their works and supporting each other.

All filmmakers who show with us are featured in the MicroActs' Filmmaker Archive on our website, an online showcase with direct links to each artist's website/digital presence, this resource allows exposure to a whole new audience & celebrates the range of works we've screened over the years. With over 450+ artists/filmmakers from 60 countries, we can't wait to keep growing the international MicroActs community!

Rules & Terms

• Films must be approx 6mins or less, our focus is on "micro" short films.

• We accept films from all over the world, however, films not made in English need to be provided with subtitles in English.

• We champion LGBTQ+ voices, and do not accept films that promote hate [eg. racist, homophobic, transphobic, body shaming etc.], however films discussing these issues/experiences of marginalisation are, of course, welcome & considered.

• No filmmakers are turned away because of a lack of funds, please get in touch with us if the submission fee is an economic barrier for you. All submission fees go into creating the events, we are a not-for-profit organisation (currently unfunded and run on a voluntary basis). All screenings are free to attend and our focus is on creating accessible cultural events for all.

• By submitting, you agree that if your work is selected, your film will be shown with us, have your film included in the 1 week YouTube stream of the event, and you are happy to be featured in our newsletter & on our website as part of the MicroActs' Filmmaker Archive. We endeavour to showcase filmmakers who screen with us as best we can, including promotion of the evening via our Substack and our Instagram accounts. In order to do this successfully, we need to use film stills & mini preview clips of the films we show. By submitting your work, you agree to the terms of allowing the MicroActs team permission to use stills and very short clips (under 10secs) of your films for promotion of the event. All copyright, of course, still belongs entirely to you, the filmmaker.
52 Reviews
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  • Lisa Danker

    The programming and the organization of MicroActs are top-notch. It was a wonderful experience as a filmmaker to be able to engage the audience through a Q&A that was expertly moderated.

    June 2026
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  • Robert Mizaki

    The is a very supportive organization, and I felt honored to have my film being chosen for two screenings in England.

    May 2026
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  • Jools Foto

    A wonderful festival, warm and welcoming, a fabulous and thoughtful curation and an inspiring selection of artist films. Especial thanks for venturing into the wilds of Suffolk, I hope to attend many more ‘microacts’.

    April 2026
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  • gerald habarth

    Honored to have been included, and very appreciative of their efforts to provide a platform for experimental film and animation. Much respect also for their seriousness, curatorial selections and professionalism. Would love to attend a screening in person one day!

    November 2025
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  • Blame the Shadows Collective

    What a beautifully run festival. Really well organised and led by such a supportive team. Congratulations and thank you for all of your hard work.

    September 2025
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