In light of today’s severe political and ecological crises, imagining positive futures or thinking in idealistic, even utopian ways can feel nearly impossible. Our project theme, Collaborative Futures – SMALL APPROACHES, seeks to focus deliberately on the small sparks of hope and successful strategies that often go unnoticed.

We are accepting submissions of short films (artistic or documentary) and animations up to a maximum length of 3 minutes that clearly relate to the exhibition theme. A jury composed of the project’s listed partners will select the participating works.

The Submission Portal (on filmfreeway or alternatively on our website (https://collaborativefutures.online) opens on 5.8.25 and ends on 5.11.25.

! Films over a maximum length of 3 minutes will be disqualified !

Awards & Prizes

Selected works will be presented in the exhibition spaces of:
- In the exhibition spaces of Gmünder Kunstverein e. V., Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany
- In public urban spaces (shop windows, building facades)
- At the “Brazil” art-house cinema in Schwäbisch Gmünd
- On the social media channels of Gmünder Kunstverein
- On a specially designed project website
- In a printed catalogue to be published in spring 2026
- 3x 777€ Audience Award
- 3x invitations to artist talks in Schwäbisch Gmünd

All forms and submission materials will be available on our website starting August 5, 2025.

Rules & Terms

By submitting your work, you grant usage rights exclusively for the purposes
listed above within the framework of the “Collaborative Futures” project. All other rights remain fully with the artist.

Participation is free of charge.
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  • Miguel Arieira

    Collaborative Futures / Small Approaches stands out as a space of excellence within the contemporary artistic landscape, distinguished by its strong social relevance, its commitment to collaborative practices, and its support for innovative and transformative cinematic approaches. More than a festival, it fosters an attentive, critical, and sensitive way of looking at the world, encouraging narratives that question, connect, and broaden perspectives.

    March 2026
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  • Sabine von Bassewitz

    Thanks so much for showing my film!! It was just great! :-)

    February 2026
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  • Laura y Sira Cabrera Díaz

    No publicaron los nombres ni títulos de todos los vídeos seleccionados en Instagram. No sé en qué lugares han proyectado nuestro vídeo Híbridos. Saludos.

    February 2026
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  • Stuart Pound

    We were very pleased to have our poetry video, "simple simple simple" screened at Collaborative Futures

    February 2026
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  • Wheeler Winston Dixon

    Excellent, intimate festival - thanks for supporting my work!

    February 2026
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