Open Cities wants to transform independent cinema from Cascais
Open Cities is a new international film production company and accelerator based in Cascais, Portugal, founded by former Sundance CEO Joana Vicente and Oscar-nominated producer Jason Kliot. It is launching its first accelerator programme for fiction feature film projects already in development, offering multi-month support culminating in an in-person residency in Portugal. The programme is designed to help independent filmmakers with bold, ambitious projects refine their scripts, production strategies, and use of new creative tools.
Deadline
Rolling — Open Cities Accelerator accepts applications via FilmFreeway
Verified 1 month ago
Cost
Check website
Format
Feature Films
Eligibility
International filmmakers with fiction feature film projects already in development. Open to directors from around the world including Portuguese filmmakers. No specific career stage or nationality restrictions mentioned beyond the project needing to be in development.
What You Get
Multi-month development programme including script refinement, production strategy support, integration of new creative tools, and an in-person residency in Portugal where teams develop prototypes of film elements. Selected projects may continue with Open Cities as producer. No funding amounts specified.
What to Submit
TBC — specific submission materials not detailed in the page content
Insider Tips
- Ensure your fiction feature film project is already in active development before applying, as the programme targets projects at that specific stage. 2. Highlight how your project is ambitious or complex in scope but faces structural/budget challenges — this is the core problem Open Cities aims to solve. 3. Demonstrate a clear directorial vision, as the company explicitly prioritises the director's creative voice above all else.
Set reminder: Check Open Cities website soon — applications opening imminently as of March 2026
Verify dates and eligibility on the official website before applying.
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