Nightshades Experimental Animation Festival

Posted July 10, 2026

November 13 & 14, 2026

Nightshades is a free experimental animation screening by and for the animators of Kansas City, Missouri happening November 13 and 14, 2026!

Applications are now open to the submit your work to be part of Nightshades! It is free to submit (and to attend).

This program will feature short animation that uses techniques and processes beyond what is considered “industry standard” in animation today. This could include stop motion films that use physical materials in new and exciting ways, unconventional digital techniques, and non-traditional narrative structures.

Requirements for submission:

Filmmakers must live in or be from Kansas or Missouri
Animation must be “experimental” in content, medium, or technique.
Films should be approximately 15 seconds to 15 minutes in length.
No AI
Films must be finished (no in process work)
Content is NOT required to be family friendly, but no racist, homophobic, or otherwise offensive content will be allowed.

SUBMISSIONS DUE OCTOBER 10th, 2026

Films will be screened by a panel of jurors (TBD); Selected works will be notified via email by October 20th, 2026.

Apply through this Google form: bit.ly/nightshades-apply

Event Details

•

When

November 13 & 14, 2026

Where

Charlotte Street Stern Theater (3333 Wyoming St)

Next Event

Artist Market—December 2026

When

Saturday, December 12, 2026 from 3:00-5:00 PM

Where

Charlotte Street Campus (3333 Wyoming St)

Featured Home, Feautred Event

Lilah Powlas