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: March 21st, 2024
Submission Deadline: May 3rd, 2024
Notification Date: May 31st, 2024
Screening Date: June 26th, 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.
19 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Brandon Fecteau

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

    April 2024
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  • Josiah Tipton

    Had a great time at the Wealthy Theater and got to meet some really talented people. They curated a really great show and was honored to have my short doc screened here.

    March 2024
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  • Neil L. Harvey

    I can't imagine a better, more warm, well organized place to premier our first film. Paris-BreathlessWeekend is a strange little film, exactly what we wanted to make and the organizers, audience, Wealthy Theater, Grand Rapids, MI were all very welcoming, enthusiastic and encouraging. We are inspired!

    March 2024
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  • Kathleen Judge

    The organizers were very organized, and friendly. Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend the screening but they're invitation and directions for attending were very clear and I wish I'd been able to attend. The interview questions for the article in support of the showing were thoughtful. Overall I got the feeling the organizers are true lovers of film and have created an event and space to promote film and independent creators. THankyou.

    December 2023
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  • Marc Marashi

    Very well organized, with a well curated group of surprisingly well made shorts. Everyone was very kind and communication was great. I will definitely submit our next film, and would recommend to anyone interested.

    December 2023
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