Flatpack 2025-26 Open Call
Flatpack Film Festival
Midlands
Salary: £1,500 production budget
Flatpack Festival has opened a Call for two project proposals covering the period from 2025 to 2026. The opportunity is for people from the global majority who are from working class backgrounds.
The Open Call has brought a wonderfully eclectic mix of events to Flatpack Festival over the last four years. For 2025-26 the festival is focussing on the Midlands and moving to a longer-term partnership with our selected curators.
Who is this Open Call for?
The opportunity is for people from the global majority who are from working class backgrounds. There is a lack of diversity within film exhibition, and we’re committed to building a more inclusive, interesting, and representative cultural sector.
All applicants must be based in the Midlands.
This opportunity welcomes individuals with a passion for curatorial work, regardless of their experience. We prioritise your curatorial concept and vision above all else.
What is Flatpack looking for?
We’re looking to fund two project proposals that run from our 2025 festival to our 2026 festival. Each project will be punctuated by an event at each festival with an additional element in between.
The festival events could be short film programmes, feature film screenings, conversational events, audiovisual interventions, little known documentaries, archive finds, retrospectives, family screenings – whatever you like, surprise us.
All projects must be viable (i.e. some prior research should have been done into the availability of personnel/films) and the project needs to be deliverable on a £1000 budget.
We’re particularly interested in projects that present films in playful and unusual ways. You must also have given thought to who your intended audience is and ways in which you think they can be reached.
Are there any themes you need to adhere to?
Our festival takes an eclectic approach to programming and we tend not to be driven by themes. We want to celebrate a range of different voices and perspectives at Flatpack, shining a light on artists, filmmakers, and subjects that are underrepresented on and off screen.
What money is involved?
Two proposals will be taken forward with each given £1,500. This fee will cover the entire curation process from initial concept development to final delivery. Technicals, rights, venues, and marketing will be covered separately.
How do I apply?
Complete the following forms by 11.59pm, Sunday 12 January 2025
Flatpack Open Call 2025-26 Application Form (Word Document)
Equal Opportunity Form (Google Form)
We will also accept video presentations or voice memos if you prefer to send your proposal that way, and we’re happy to chat if you want to discuss your idea or find out more: submissions@flatpackfestival.org.uk
For more information on Flatpack, see here. (Word Document)
How are the applications assessed?
The applications will be assessed by the Flatpack team and a former successful open call grantee. The applications will be assessed on ambition, originality, feasibility, relevance, and audience-appeal of the projects.
We will let all applicants know the outcome by Monday 20 January 2025.
What events have been selected previously?
What did previous awardees say?
“Honestly, it’s been a total pleasure working with the Flatpack team over the past few months on this. As I think I mentioned to some of you over the weekend, I was really put off working in film curation by some of the nastiness I’d encountered previously. With Flatpack, however, I’ve felt constantly supported and trusted throughout the process.”
“Thank you again for such a great opportunity, it was an amazing experience.”
The closing date for this position is 12/01/2025 at 23:59