Open Cities Accelerator
Terms & Conditions
Applicable to all applicants and selected participants.
These Terms apply to anyone who submits an application or participates in the Open Cities Accelerator Program.
By applying, you confirm that you've read and agree to these Terms.
Eligibility and Application
By applying, you confirm that all information in your application is accurate and complete.
Incomplete or inaccurate applications may be disqualified at any stage.
You must own or control the rights to everything you submit, and be able to show a clear chain of title (including any option or assignment agreements, if applicable) on request.
To be eligible, you must:
Be at least 18 years old
Hold the rights necessary to submit the project
Submit a narrative feature film project
Have completed at least a first draft of the screenplay
Have completed at least one short film or feature that has received festival selection or critical recognition.
Application Requirements
Applicants will be required to submit:
PDF1:
Biography of Writer, Director and Producer (200 words max each)
Long Synopsis 1-3 pages,
Director and Producer’s Statement
Links to previous work (with relevant passwords if any)
Short essay (300-word cap). Open Cities combines script development with hands-on experimentation with emerging technologies to help filmmakers realize ambitious projects on their own terms. Describe the creative or production challenges facing your project, how you hope the blend of creative development and technological experimentation will impact your work, and your current familiarity with these tools. What are the goals you wish to achieve from the program?
PDF 2:
Screenplay
PDF 3:
Look-book/Pitch deck
You will be asked to enter the following information:One paragraph project description
Email address
Phone number
Website / LinkedIn
Genre (if applicable)
Social handles (if applicable)
[Link to short or feature film]
Applications that are incomplete or do not comply with submission guidelines may not be considered.
Application Fee
A non-refundable application fee of $60 applies.
Please make sure you meet the eligibility requirements before applying.
Ownership of Submitted Materials
You keep full ownership of everything you submit. Your intellectual property remains yours.
Submitting your materials does not transfer any ownership or copyright to Open Cities.
Use of Submitted Materials
By applying, you give Open Cities permission to use certain submitted materials - such as your logline, synopsis, biography, and headshot for:
Evaluation and selection
Program communication
promotional materials relating to the Program
This may include use on the Open Cities website, in program materials, and in press communications.
Open Cities will not share your full scripts or other confidential materials with anyone outside the selection and mentorship process without your permission.
Similar Projects
You acknowledge that Open Cities may receive or develop projects with similar themes or concepts.
Similarity alone does not give rise to any claim.
Confidentiality
Open Cities treats all submitted materials as confidential during the selection process.
If you're selected, you may be exposed to the work of other participants. You're expected to keep all peer materials confidential and not share or reproduce them outside the program.
Warranties and Indemnification
By applying, you confirm that:
Your submitted materials are original or properly licensed
You have the rights needed to submit the project
Your materials don't infringe anyone else's rights
You agree to take responsibility for any claims that arise if these statements turn out not to be true.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed by the Open Cities team and a panel of industry advisors.
A limited number of projects will be selected to participate in the Program.
All selection decisions are final.
Unfortunately, Open Cities is unable to provide individual feedback to applicants who are not selected.
If you're shortlisted, you may be invited to a virtual interview as part of the selection process.
Being shortlisted does not guarantee selection.
Participation Commitment
If selected, you must be fully available for all program activities, including virtual sessions and the full in-person residency in Portugal.
If you can't guarantee your availability at the time of selection, your project may be considered withdrawn.
You agree to actively participate in all program activities, including:
Workshops
Mentorship sessions
Assignments
Pitch Day presentations
Open Cities may withdraw a project from the program if a participant can't meet these commitments.
11. Development Support
Selected Projects receive development support through free participation in a structured program designed to move projects through phases of inspiration, development, experimentation, and market positioning, culminating in an industry pitch session.
The Program includes:
Six virtual sessions between July and October 2026
Ongoing mentorship throughout the program
An in-person residency in Portugal from November 1–10, 2026
Selected Projects will receive:
Accommodation and group meals during the residency
One-on-one creative and technology mentorship supporting script development and experimentation
Workshops and masterclasses exploring AI and emerging technologies in filmmaking
Guest speakers and industry feedback across production, sales, marketing, distribution, and creative technologies
A Tech Sprint, enabling hands-on experimentation with new tools and workflows
Development of a prototype or proof-of-concept scene from the project where appropriate
Pitch preparation and a live industry pitch event
Opportunities for peer exchange and introductions to industry professionals
Participants graduate with a strengthened script, a production roadmap, the framework of a business plan, pre-visualizations of key elements of their project, and a prototype derived from their technological and artistic experimentation.
In the event that a Selected Project proceeds to production, the parties acknowledge that Open Cities is entitled to development reimbursement as described below.
12. Development Recoupment
If a Selected Project proceeds to production following participation in the Program, Open Cities will be entitled to receive a development reimbursement equal to two percent (2%) of the final production budget of the film.
This reimbursement reflects the development support and strategic guidance provided through the Open Cities Accelerator, including mentorship, production planning, industry introductions, and innovation strategies developed during the Program.
Open Cities expects that its involvement during the accelerator process may contribute to substantive production efficiencies and cost savings, including through creative development, production strategy, and the integration of emerging technologies and AI-enabled tools where appropriate.
13. Backend Participation
If a Selected Project proceeds to production, Open Cities will be entitled to receive two and one-half percent (2.5%) of Net Profits derived from the completed film.
The definition of Net Profits will follow the definition contained in the film’s financing or collection agreement.
14. Exclusive Negotiation Period
After the Program’s final presentation event (“Pitch Day”), Open Cities International Lda. will have a 90-day exclusive window to negotiate an option, production, or co-production agreement for your project.
During this 90-day period, you agree not to enter into binding agreements with other parties regarding your project.
15. Production Agreements
Any option, production, financing, or co-production deal between Open Cities and you will be set out in a separate written agreement.
Being part of the Program does not mean Open Cities International, Lda. is obligated to option, finance, or produce your project.
16. Credit
If your project goes into production, you agree to include the following credit, and to clearly display the Open Cities logo in the end titles of your film.
“Developed with support from the Open Cities Accelerator.”
17. Publicity
Open Cities may use the following for promotional purposes relating to the Program:
Participant names
Project titles
Loglines
Still images or agreed upon materials provided by participants
18. Withdrawal or Disqualification
Open Cities reserves the right to withdraw or disqualify any project if:
Submission information is inaccurate
Participation requirements are not met
If the applicant or any core collaborator: engages in unlawful conduct; makes materially false representations in connection with the application
Engages in conduct that Open Cities reasonably determines to be harmful to the reputation, integrity, or values of the program.
These Terms are violated
19. Program Modifications
Open Cities may adjust the program's structure, schedule, mentors, or format if needed.
20. Force Majeure
Open Cities is not responsible for cancellation or changes to the Program caused by events beyond its control, such as:
Natural disasters
Public health emergencies
Travel restrictions
Government actions.
21. Data Protection
Personal information you provide will be used by Open Cities for selection, program administration, and communication.
Your data will not be sold or shared with third parties outside the program without your consent.
Your data will be handled in line with applicable data protection laws, including the GDPR where it applies.
Open Cities will not use your submitted scripts or story materials to train, fine-tune, or otherwise develop any artificial intelligence model. This applies to all AI tools used within the program and to any third-party platforms or vendors engaged by Open Cities.
22. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the United States.
Any disputes arising in connection with the Program shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of New York, unless otherwise required by applicable law.