Arctic Open

Welcome to ARCTIC OPEN International Film Festival!
Now heading into our fourth season, we are happy to open the Fest for submissions.

ARCTIC OPEN is looking to showcase the feature films, short films, and documentaries released in 2020 and 2021 and relating to the history and culture of the Nordic countries, indigenous peoples, the challenges of today’s world, and fragile nature of the Arctic. The sort of films that tell a story and would make people think. Or laugh, or cry, shock or surprise.

ARCTIC OPEN screens local and international professional or first time filmmakers, celebrating the best in Arctic-related filmmaking from across the globe. All submissions are free of charge.

Spread over 4 days in December 2021, ARCTIC OPEN will involve public screenings in three cities of Archangel Province, Russia, as well as networking events, a pitching round table, a workshop on how to start/run a film club, retrospectives, a closing party and awards event that brings together journalists, film producers and media professionals.

With three nominations (Best Feature Length Film, Best Short Film, and Best Documentary), ARCTIC OPEN aims to:

1. Select and promote the best films made in 2020 or 2021 by filmmaking teams in the Arctic countries and globally.

2. Provide filmmakers an opportunity to interact with their audience via Q&A sessions at screenings (live), social events and sponsorship events.

3. Provide networking opportunities for members of the film community.

4. Provide educational opportunities for audience members who appreciate the effort that goes into making a quality film.

5. Give filmmakers and production teams a chance to travel to a destination known for its Northern Russian hospitality and once being Russia’s first and only gateway to Europe, and to try Pomor cuisine.

The films that will land our official selection and non-competition program will get the option of distribution through the Festival’s events and campaigns. We offer publicity across a wide range of regional and federal media (print and social).