We're all set to welcome experimental silent films from all over the world for the first edition of Sleepy Eyes Film Festival. The video works will be situated in the public sphere. The event will take place in February 2026 in the city center of The Hague. We screen films without sound in the windows of the historic façades of Westeinde, one of the oldest streets of the city. The films screenings appear from 8pm until deep in the night for 8 consecutive nights.

FILMS
Strong visualization and diversity is key. We are seeking films and lens based works that expand our perception of film: experimental, visual narrative, non-narrative, artists expression, visual poetry, performative, playful, profound, disruptive, abstract, text in frame, loops. We haven't encountered any limits, yet.

Proposals for film installations and multi-screen projections are also welcome. Our curators will do their best to create an interesting interaction between the films and the local architecture.

Awards & Prizes

Sleepy Eyes is a non-competitive festival, we prefer art over prizes.

Rules & Terms

ELIGIBILITY
Any experimental works completed from 2020-2025 are eligible. No length restrictions, but be aware that visitors walk in and out of your film at any moment. Therefore, short movies and endless movies (looping without credits) work best. Multiple entries are allowed with a maximum of three.

By submitting your film to Sleepy Eyes Film Festival, you acknowledge that you own or have all the rights to the submitted film and agree that you shall be bound by the following terms & conditions:

FORMATS
The films may have any format: vertical, horizontal, 16:9, 9:16, 4:3, 1:1 or any other size or shape, as long as it is can be delivered as mp4. Films are shown without sound in a continuous loop, rear projected from the inside of the space on static foil on the window. Keep this in mind.

Preview Screeners : Entries should be submitted for preview as an online streaming video, either on FilmFreeway or via a password-protected streaming URL (Vimeo/YouTube).
Exhibition Format : Digital File .mp4 format - If selected, your digital file should arrive no later than January 18, 2026.

FEES
Entry fees are non-refundable. We will offer a small screening fee to support the selected artists.

SELECTION PROCESS
Submitted films will be reviewed by our panel of curators. We offer two deadlines. The first selection will take place in December. Entrants will be notified of their judging status by January 12, 2026. This date is approximate and may change.

AUTHORIZATION
By entering the festival, the entrant authorizes a public screening of the work in the festival and agrees to provide an exhibition file for the period of the festival. Once a film is submitted for entry, it may not be withdrawn. Sleepy Eyes Film Festival is hereby granted the right to to use parts of your film for promotional purposes of the festival.

4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Denise Lee

    Thank you for organising this festival! The communication was very smooth and always up to date. Although I couldn't be there, the documentation provided was very much appreciated, and really showed how well the films played in public space.

    March 2026
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  • Peter Whittenberger

    Thank you so much for including my work. It is such an honor. I wasn't able to attend, but the communication and documentation was great. Thank you!

    February 2026
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  • Mariana Fantich

    It was a privilege for Fantich & Young’s Danse Macabre to take part in the Sleepy Eyes Film Festival. The festival’s presentation of experimental works across one of The Hague’s oldest streets created powerful and unexpected encounters between film, place, and audience. We were grateful to be included alongside such a strong and inspiring group of international artists and filmmakers.

    February 2026
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  • Julie Upmeyer

    A unique opportunity to insert a moving image into the architecture of a historical street, adding movement and light into a usually static form. Wonderful communications and documentation. A very distinctive and special event!

    February 2026
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