A special Halloween edition of Open Projector Night!

Michigan filmmaking has a long history of horror classics. This evening will highlight short films specifically of the horror/spooky genre from Michigan filmmakers (or with a Michigan connection). For a limited time, we are opening up submissions for new films too! Submit now and join us this October at Wealthy Theatre!

Open Projector Night is an ongoing film series; its intent is to showcase the diversity of films connected to Michigan and establish a venue to highlight local film in Grand Rapids, MI. Films are selected and curated into a program by a panel of Wealthy Theatre staff and volunteers.

*Disclaimer: If you're accepted into Open Projector Night please understand your film may screen on GRTV in part of Community Media Centers GRTV programming. If selected, you will be notified.

Submission Deadline: September 19th , 2025
Notification Date: September 26th, 2025
Screening Date: October 22nd, 2025

OPN was originally founded in 2012 at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. Now at its new home: Wealthy Theatre. Open Projector Night, with Grand Rapids Film Society, are programs of Wealthy Theatre and the Grand Rapids Community Media Center; a Non-Profit Organization dedicated to building community through media.

OPN is grateful for the generous support of Film & Media Alliance of West Michigan. The FMA promotes and advocates for film & media professionals in West Michigan.

Awards & Prizes

Audience Vote!
At the end of the night, all audience members can cast a vote for their favorite film. Ballots are tallied up overnight and announced the next day.

First place: $100 cash prize, a social media spotlight that includes a written interview with the filmmaker(s), an all-access CMC membership, and free film passes.

Second place: Two film and concession passes

Third place: Two film and concession passes.

Jury Award: The Open Projector Night jury panelists will award a $100.00 cash prize.

A portion of all ticket sales from the event will support the evening's filmmakers.

Rules & Terms

Submissions must conform to these guidelines:

• Include elements of horror, spookiness, or Halloween themes.
• Less than 20 minutes in duration.
• Must be related to the state of Michigan (e.g., by content, location, the film creators/crew, etc.)

All submissions will be reviewed and curated by the Open Projector Night Selection Panel. If accepted, you must supply a presentation copy of your film.
2 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Andrew Prestler

    This is a fantastic local festival with a great film community. The organizers put in a lot of work to make this a fun and immersive event and I can't recommend it enough! 10/10 would festival again.

    October 2024
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  • Nate Fischer

    Such an amazing festival and event. I would for sure submit again. Everyone in charge is kind, communicative, and passionate about film!

    October 2024
    Helpful