Celebrate short films with Open Projector Night! A recurring event that presents the work of local, regional, and national filmmakers with a connection to Michigan, in either content, location, or crew. Enjoy a diverse range of screenings from animated narratives and commercial work to experimental pieces. After the event, participate in a question and answer panel with the filmmakers and vote for your favorite short film.

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 seventy-minute 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.

Submissions Open: November 30th, 2023
Submission Deadline: February 21st, 2024
Notification Date: March 1st, 2024
Screening Date: March 20th, 2024

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.

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, free film passes, and a screening of your film before a Tuesday Night Movie screening.

Second place: Two film and concession passes

Third place: Two film and concession passes.

Rules & Terms

While there is no limitation on film category or subject matter, submissions must conform to these guidelines:

• 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.
14 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Peaches Wilczak

    An amazing opportunity for up and coming midwestern filmmakers! I had the honor of having my film featured and it was such a wonderful event, everyone was so kind and supportive, an it was so great to work with so many talented artists, thank you!

    August 2023
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  • Jon Clark

    Wonderful event! It brings out a community of strong cinema lovers and filmmakers. The Wealthy Theatre is quite beautiful and the quality of the sound and projection was very professional. The crowd was full and very responsive to all of the films. A great time. I'd recommend this event to anyone.

    June 2023
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  • Bianca Caniglia

    This event was so meaningful and so special! The programmers did an incredible job communicating information and they put together a really strong shorts program. 10/10 hope to be a part of this again! Thank you Grand Rapids Film Society and Wealthy Theatre!

    May 2023
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  • Allison Riley

    I had a great time at the February 2023 Open Projector Night! The programming team was great with communication and it was an amazing supportive environment to share my film In the Blood.

    March 2023
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  • Jeremy Knickerbocker

    OPN has been a gem for independent filmmakers and cinephiles alike in Michigan. So thankful to have it back at the Wealthy Theatre!

    February 2023
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