Time
For
A Change.
We help independent filmmakers create ambitious films deemed too complex or costly, blending world-class mentorship with responsible, artist-driven production technologies, including AI. Based in Lisbon and New York, with a strong global presence, Open Cities brings together a selective cinematic story accelerator, an integrated production company, and an affiliated film production fund, supporting projects from late development through production.
The Accelerator
The three-month accelerator begins with a virtual program focused on hands-on script refinement, one-on-one mentorship, and the guided, intentional integration of new production tools and emerging technologies, including the informed use of AI, alongside rapid prototyping. The program culminates in a week-long, in-person immersive session and pitch day in Lisbon, Portugal. A limited number of projects are selected for financing and production, while all participants leave with a refined script, a clear production-ready roadmap, and concrete proof-of-concept materials to help bring their films to life.
“The Role of the Artist is not to look away” —Akira Kurosawa
“The Role of the Artist is not to look away” —Akira Kurosawa
The Production Company
Open Cities advances selected accelerator projects from development through distribution, working in close collaboration with mentors, technologists, financing partners, sales agents, and distributors. Each project builds directly on the learnings and efficiencies developed during the accelerator, enabling greater ambition, creative control, and sustainability.
Submissions
Open Cities Accelerator Program Submissions open March 15th
Got an incredible script? Bring it to life and into production with the Open Cities Accelerator. Sign up now to get updates.
Team
Joana Vicente
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Joana Vicente is an award-winning producer, executive, and entrepreneur who has played a defining role in the global independent film ecosystem. She has led some of North America’s most influential film institutions, serving as CEO of the Sundance Institute and as Executive Director and Co-Head of the Toronto International Film Festival. She also served as Executive Director of Gotham (formerly IFP) and the Made in NY Media Center.
Jason Kliot
Co-Founder, President, and Chief Creative Officer
Jason Kliot is an Academy Award–nominated producer whose films span more than 40 feature films and documentaries. He has produced acclaimed work by directors including Jim Jarmusch, Brian De Palma, Nadine Labaki, Steven Soderbergh and more, championing both first-time filmmakers and established auteurs.
His films have premiered at and won major awards at the Sundance, Berlin, Cannes, and Venice Film Festivals, including two Sundance Grand Jury Prizes and the Silver Lion for Best Director at Venice. His work has received more than 25 Independent Spirit Award nominations.
Tony Gonçalves
Co-Founder and Strategic Advisor
Tony Gonçalves is a senior media and technology executive with three decades of experience in global entertainment, distribution, and streaming. As Chief Revenue Officer at WarnerMedia, he oversaw a $20 billion portfolio and led the launch of HBO Max. He also served as CEO of Otter Media, where he drove the scaling and sale of Crunchyroll, the leading anime streaming platform, and Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine.
Filipe de Botton
Co-Founder and Strategic Advisor
Filipe de Botton is an entrepreneur and investor with deep experience in banking and international industry. He is a co-founder of Logoplaste and currently serves as Executive Chairman, overseeing a global industrial group with 70 Factories across 16 countries.
Sabrina Dridje
Program Director
Sabrina Dridje is a consultant working at the intersection of creativity, commerce and community with expertise across business development, strategic partnerships, talent connecting, program/workshop design, speaker curation, and community building. She was the Executive Director of The Telly Awards and current clients include Residence (BUCK, It's Nice That), Motion Plus Design Festival and the Immersive Experience Network.
