Short Description
The European Media Art Festival Osnabrück (EMAF) has its origin in a workshop for experimental films at the Department of Media Studies at the University of Osnabrück. This resulted in a film meeting in 1981: the so-called “Experimental Film Workshop”, and the foundation of the association of the same name, which is still the sponsor of the EMAF today. In 1988, the “Film and Television Year” proclaimed by the EU offered the opportunity to put the festival on a new footing. The team of students put together a new concept for this – under the title “European Media Art Festival”.
Today, EMAF is regarded internationally as one of the most influential forums for contemporary media art. Each year it offers its visitors an overview of current artistic productions in film programmes, exhibitions, performances and hybrid formats. Guest-curated projects and retrospectives provide in-depth insights into historical positions and contexts.
Eligibility
We welcome current works in the categories Film (experimental short and feature films), Installation (installative, interactive, spatial or sculptural media art works), and Expanded (performances, live events, or workshops).
How to Apply
Online Application
Program Benefits & Awards
All films in the International Selection are equal winners of the EMAF Award and will each receive prize money of 400€. A screening fee of 250 € will be paid to films showing in the Features section. For the curated programmes, the screening fee is between 80 € and 250 € depending on the length of the film.
The fee is 500€ for installations and expanded projects. Production costs will be paid by the festival.
The artists whose works are selected via the open call will be invited to the festival. The invitation includes a free accreditation, three nights at a hotel (and potentially longer if setting up is required) and a contribution to travel costs.
Entry Fee
None
Location
Osnabrück, Germany
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 22 December 2025
- Event Date: 22 to 26 April 2026
Website Link: https://www.emaf.de/en/
