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 narrative work, animation, music videos, documentary 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.

Submission Deadline: May 8th, 2026
Notification Date: May 22nd, 2026
Screening Date: June 17th, 2026

OPN is coordinated by Wealthy Theatre and GR Film Society, programs of 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 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

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.)
• No A.I. generated content

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.
23 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Tanner Hamilton

    By far the best picture and sound at any festival I’ve been to. Top notch treatment of filmmakers, passionate audience, and a beautiful venue. I will continue going until the building turns into moss and dirt, and I’ll probably keep going then too.

    November 2025
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  • Tabitha Blanski

    Open Projector Night was a fantastic experience. The team behind the veil is friendly and committed to giving their audience the best experience possible. They extend the same grace to the filmmakers. As a growing filmmaker, I felt seen and was able to make a number of beautiful, new connections. Open Projector Night is a gift to the Grand Rapids filmmaking community.

    June 2025
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  • Justin Park-Swanson

    Fantastic festival, films were beautifully projected and organizers were in full communication with the filmmakers. Will definitely be submitting in the future again.

    March 2025
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  • ishkwaazhe Shane McSauby

    Love OPN! Love Wealthy Theatre and Love GRFS! So thankful for this lovely event. Always feel so taken care of by the team. Thank you so much for including me.

    December 2024
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  • Brandon Fecteau

    Amazing opportunity to share my film along with other incredible filmmakers from Michigan!

    April 2024
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