What is an experimental film? We’re not sure, either. Let’s find out together!  The UNLV School of Cinematic Arts is excited to sponsor ATMOSPHERE, a festival dedicated to experimental cinema.

First launched in 2025, ATMOSPHERE invites you to explore the rich expressive boundaries of filmmaking with unconventional approaches to style and form, including abstract, non-narrative projects. We embrace all modes, methods, and techniques, including live-action, animation, and scratching directly on film stock.

This year’s theme is RITUAL – in ourselves, our communities, and our world.

We appreciate entries that address this theme, but ALL submissions are welcome.

Films should be submitted by 11:59 pm on November 7, 2026 and must be no more than 10 minutes in duration. Official selections will be screened in FDH 109 at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 12th and 6:00 pm on Friday, November 13th.

Click here for a submission form with all the details for this year's fest.

Questions? Reach out to ATMOSPHERE's creator and coordinator, Jason Edmiston (jason.edmiston@unlv.edu).