Open Call for Emerging Film Curators
The first programme is yours to imagine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I am eligible to apply?
With this open call, Fondazione CinemaO intends to offer a space for experimentation, dialogue, and support to individuals in the early stages of their curatorial journey. There are no requirements regarding age, residence or formal education. However, we expect that applicants will have undertaken already curatorial research independently or as part of their professional or academic experience.How many screenings should I propose?
We are looking for proposals that include at least 3 screenings. Programs can then develop over longer periods — for example 4, 8, or 12 weeks. What matters most is the idea of continuity and ritual, creating a space for encounter and dialogue around the films.Can I apply as a group?
Yes. Proposals can be submitted either individually or as a collective.For collective applications, we encourage the whole group to take part in the screenings and discussions.
Do I need to have already confirmed the film rights when applying?
At the application stage, it is enough to indicate the films, works, or artists you imagine including in your program. If your proposal is selected, we will ask you to help us identify who holds the public screening rights in Italy for each work. From there, we will work together: checking the availability of materials and handling any rights negotiations will be done in collaboration with the CinemaO team as we define the screening schedule.In some cases, due to the availability of rights, it may not be possible to include certain works in the final program. If that happens, we will work together to find possible solutions or alternatives.
How is the financial contribution for screening rights structured?
CinemaO provides a small fund dedicated to screening rights.As a non-profit foundation organizing cultural activities, the available budget will be distributed among the selected programmes according to their needs, with the aim of supporting the different proposals as fairly as possible.
What is the approximate budget available for each proposal?
We are currently imagining an average contribution of approximately €300 per programme to support screening rights.
This is an indicative estimate: depending on the number of applications received and the structure of the selected programmes, the support may be adjusted. If specific needs arise in relation to particular films or projects, these can be discussed together with the selected participants.
As CinemaO is a non-profit foundation, some rights holders may also apply reduced fees when screenings take place in independent or non-commercial contexts.
How much does the entrance ticket to the screenings cost?
CinemaO screenings are reserved for members of the Foundation. Upon their first visit, they will therefore be asked to register and contribute €5 as an annual membership fee to access the space.Typically, the ticket price for individual screenings will be €5, helping keep the program accessible while also supporting the sustainability of the project.
Some screenings may be free or have a slightly different ticket price, depending on the costs associated with screening rights. Guests invited by the selected curators will be admitted free of charge to the screenings they curate.
Can I propose a program of only short films?
Yes. Programs can freely combine feature films, short films, or video art works.Do films need to be distributed in Italy?
Films do not need to be distributed in Italy. We welcome programmes that include works from different countries and contexts, and screening rights can be negotiated directly with filmmakers, producers, or rights holders internationally.Can I propose hard-to-find or archival films?
Yes. If you would like to propose rare, hard-to-find, or archival films, it’s helpful to have already done some initial research on the availability of the materials.If your proposal is selected, the CinemaO team will be happy to support you in checking these aspects together — such as rights availability, projection format, and the condition of the materials.
How are the screenings organized?
CinemaO is built around a collaborative model based on the exchange of knowledge and experience.Curators with more experience will be invited to support and advise those who are at the beginning of their programming journey. At the same time, emerging curators may contribute — on a voluntary basis — to supporting screening nights organized by other participants.
The aim is to create a space where people can learn through practice and mutual exchange.
Does CinemaO offer support for accommodation or travel expenses?
At this early stage of the project, CinemaO will be able to offer a symbolic reimbursement for travel or accommodation for people coming from outside Lombardia.We will be happy to provide invitation letters to anyone who wishes to apply for grants or European support programmes to cover other expenses.
What are the selection criteria?
Proposals will be evaluated based on several elements, including:Clarity and coherence of the curatorial proposal
Originality and integrity in the research approach
Diversity of perspectives and voices represented in the selection of screenings
The project’s ability to approach cinema as a space for dialogue, research, and exchange, rather than simply presenting a finished product.
Who is responsible for selecting the proposals?
Proposals will be evaluated by an artistic committee composed of professionals active in the field of film programming and curatorship.The members of the committee are listed on the application form. During the selection process, additional professionals from the field may also be invited to contribute to the evaluation.
Where will the screenings take place?
Screenings will take place within CinemaO’s own premises, located in the Gorla neighborhood of Milan.The screening room has an approximate capacity of 50–60 seats and supports digital projection formats. In some cases, we can also accommodate analog film screenings, provided that we have access to a physical film print.
Further technical details about the space and equipment will be shared with the selected participants.
Are subtitles required?
We do not have strict rules regarding subtitles (ITA / ENG). We are currently reflecting on these questions together with Giorgia Di Giusto, who collaborates with us on accessibility practices. The main principle we follow is to clearly communicate to audiences what they will encounter in each programme when arriving at the venue.Whenever possible, we would like to make screenings accessible to as many people as possible. However, at this stage we do not have a dedicated budget for producing new subtitles, so solutions may depend on the materials already available.
If you have further questions about the open call, you can write directly to the CinemaO team: ciao@cinemao.co
We’ll be happy to help!