Open Call: RestFest Film Festival 2026
We are so excited to announce that film & video art submissions for the 2nd RestFest Film Festival are now open!
Submissions for the 2nd RestFest Film Festival are now open
Do you or someone you know have a film or video artwork directed and/or written by someone Disabled, Deaf, chronically ill, Neurodivergent, mentally ill, and/or mad? We want to see it! Read on to learn more!
How to Submit
Visit the following link: https://filmfreeway.com/RestFestFilmFestival
Submission fees are optional donations. Use code “RESTFEST2SUBMISSION” to opt-out.
Final deadline to submit: August 25, 2025
Film Eligibility
At least one director and/or screenwriter of your film must identify as Disabled, Deaf, chronically ill, Neurodivergent, mentally ill, and/or mad.
Short films & video artworks are invited to be submitted. If you have a feature-length film that you think would be a good fit, please reach out: restfestfilmfestival@gmail.com.
Films can but do not have to be about Disability.
To read the remainder of the eligibility criteria, scroll to the bottom of the RestFest Film Festival FilmFreeway page.
Why Submit?
Have your work seen by fellow Disabled, Deaf, chronically ill, Neurodivergent, mentally ill, and/or mad folks around the world in a festival entirely accessible from bed.
Meet fellow Disabled, Deaf, chronically ill, Neurodivergent, mentally ill, and/or mad artists at virtual filmmaker mixers.
Connect with viewers and the larger RestFest community through Q&As and Events.
About RestFest
RestFest is a virtual film & video art festival and online community arts gathering space created by/for Disabled, Deaf, chronically ill, neurodivergent, mentally ill, and/or mad community worldwide. Learn more about RestFest by clicking here.
RestFest is programmed & organized by a small team of Disabled, Neurodivergent, chronically ill, mad, Queer, non-binary artists.
To get a sense of the festival, you can visit our general overview of last year’s festival webpage, watch some of the programmed films, and view the trailer below:
Kind words from previous RestFest filmmakers & attendees
“RestFest was a truly remarkable experience that brought our community together in such a meaningful way. The festival's thoughtful approach to meeting us exactly where we are—in terms of energy, capacity, and accessibility—created an environment where we could all feel inspired, encouraged, and valued. It was inspiring to witness and be part of a space where disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, Deaf, blind, and mad creatives could share their work and connect with one another in ways that honored our individual and collective needs. RestFest was a beautiful reminder of the power of community when we prioritize care and inclusion.” - Aubree Penney, Attendee at RestFest Film Festival 2024
“The event coordinators were amazing communicators and put the well-being of their filmmakers and audience at the top of their priority list. I've never felt so cared for as a participating artist in a program.” - Filmmaker in the RestFest Film Festival 2024 program
“Crip Joy Ultimate” - Attendee at RestFest Film Festival 2024
“RestFest is such a vital, unique community space where disabled artists and art-lovers can connect with each other from all over the world. During the isolation of the ongoing pandemic and so many other external forces that impact disabled people so harshly, we need each other more than ever, and the week of RestFest felt like a much needed medicine." - Francis, Attendee at RestFest Film Festival 2024
We truly cannot wait to see your work!