A Festival of Experimental, Essay, First Person, and Artists' Film

Cosmic Rays is an annual celebration of non-commercial short films that extend the idea of film as art. Cosmic Rays screens work that:

Experiments with the formal possibilities of film and video.

Explores hybrid forms and the hard-to-describe spaces between filmmaking modes and genres.

Speaks with a personal or poetic voice, or explores novel ways of telling stories.

Eschews convention and commerce.

Has utopian aspirations and weird friends.

Cosmic Rays is excited by filmmaking that expands our idea of what film is and what it can be.

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR FILM

GENERAL
Cosmic Rays screens non-commercial short films that broaden the idea of film as art. We are looking for work that experiments with the formal possibilities of film and video; that explores hybrid forms and the hard-to-describe spaces between filmmaking modes and genres; that speaks with a personal or poetic voice, or explores novel ways of telling stories; that eschews convention and commerce; and that expands our sense of what film is and what it can be.

ELIGIBILITY & DEADLINE
Cosmic Rays accepts films that are 20 minutes or less completed after Jan. 1st, 2022. Please note: films over 20:00 minutes will not be considered for the program. Deadline for submissions is December 1st, 2023.

SCREENING COPIES
To submit a film, please provide a password protected streaming link (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.). Your link and password should be available and valid until April 1st, 2024. We cannot accept DVD screening copies.

SELECTION RESULTS
Selection results will be published on February 1, 2024 on the festival website.
Cosmic Rays will notify the contact person of the selected work to deliver text, images, and video material for print, internet and promotion.

Due to the number of submissions, Cosmic Rays regrets that we can only notify applicants whose work is selected for the program.

SCREENING OF FILMS
Films selected for the program should be available as a downloadable digital file.

Screening copies should arrive by February 10th, 2024. Films that are not received by this date or that have technical difficulties may be unable to screen in the festival program.

CONTACT ADDRESS
contact[at]cosmicraysfilmfest.com

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • yasaman baghban

    Sabina and Bill created an unforgettable experience. Thank you so much for including my film in the 6th Cosmic Rays. The programming was creative and professional... Wonderful events. I'm looking forward to future editions.

    March 2024
  • Danièle Wilmouth

    Smart and challenging programming. Wonderful organized meals, which gave us a chance to meet some of the other filmmakers. We had a wonderful time at the festival!

    March 2024
  • Vincent GUILBERT

    It was such an honor to have my short film screened at Cosmic Rays, among such wonderful and talented filmmakers.
    Bill and Sabine's kindness, professionalism, and love for experimental and avant-garde movies is magnificent.
    Looking forward to the next editions: Cosmic Rays is already one of my favourite film festivals in the world.

    March 2024
  • Jim Haverkamp

    COSMIC RAYS is a true jewel. The organizers, Sabine and Bill, and their volunteers care deeply about filmmaking and filmmakers. They're always looking for new ways to think about cinema and engage audiences. Wonderful people and wonderful films abound. Thank you!!

    April 2023
  • Laura Asherman

    Bill and Sabine did an awesome job making us feel special and included in the fun at Cosmic Rays. Will definitely submit again!

    April 2022