Open Call
EPOS Festival, the International Festival of Culture and Arts Films, and the Tel Aviv–Yafo City Museum (Shoshana and Zvi Tomer) invite creators from all artistic fields to submit short films on the theme: Urban Diary.
Creators who wish to reveal their unique relationship with the city and turn it into a visual experience – daily moments, personal experiences, memories, or emotions evoked by the city. The approach may take the form of a personal portrait, a poetic gaze, an exploration of relationships between residents and the urban space, or a framework for social-political inquiry.
Accepted films will premiere at the EPOS Festival - Passover 2026.
- Three selected films will be screened at a festive event at the City Museum, in the presence of the creators. For the screening and participation in the museum event, an artist fee of 1,000 NIS will be paid for each film.
- A 1:30–3 minute excerpt from each film will be included in the City Museum’s Story Collection, accompanied by a short text about the urban experience that inspired the work. Selection will be at the museum team’s discretion.
- Selected filmmakers will receive a gift voucher allowing six entries to the City Museum and participation in its events.
Guidelines for submission
- Films in diverse materials, emotions, perspectives, and visual languages – from poetic to political, from personal to collective.
- Themes may range from civic-cultural activity in the city to intimate relationships of love, estrangement, longing, belonging, or struggle.
- No stylistic limitations on ideas or forms of execution.
- Documentary or narrative films may be submitted, whether realistic, sci-fi, live-action, or animated.
Eligibility
- Creators aged 18 and above.
- Film length up to 10 minutes.
- A Rough Cut may be submitted, provided the final version corresponds to it.
- By submitting, creators confirm they hold the copyright and distribution rights in Israel and agree to the inclusion of an excerpt in the museum’s Story Collection.
- Participation is subject to the regulations.
Deadlines
- Final submission date: February 15, 2026.
- Notification of acceptance: by March 1, 2026.
- Final screening copies must be delivered by March 20, 2026.
Submission format
- Screening format: DCP and MP4.
The following materials must be attached:
* Three high-quality still photos (300dpi)
* A 1:30–3 minute visual excerpt from the film, high quality, to be included in the Story Collection
* Film synopsis (up to 30 words)
* Short bio of the creator in Hebrew and English
* A 100–400 word text about the film’s personal connection to the city
To view the films that participated in Urban Diary 1
Registration
- The registration form must be completed in full.
- Ensure the viewing link is open (or provide a password).
- All materials must be sent digitally only to:
epos.traffic@gmail.com
• The artistic committee of EPOS Festival and the Tel Aviv–Yafo City Museum will select the films. The committee’s decision is final.