MIXED*

 A FILM SHOWCASE

Close-up of a wasp on a light background with pink and red paint splatters.
Abstract black ink splash on a light background.
A person sitting at a command center with multiple computer monitors in front, control consoles on either side, and a large map displayed on a screen behind.
Illustration of a mountain valley with a stream, orange autumn trees, and tall snow-capped mountains in the background under a yellow sky.
Two young women with traditional Asian attire in a surreal outdoor setting with birds flying in the sky and a swing. One woman sits quietly with eyes closed, wearing a red and black dress, while the other stands behind the swing with arms spread wide and a serious expression.
A person with a digitally altered face, combining a human profile with abstract, colorful shapes and textures.
Looking at the surface of the ocean with gentle waves.
A bicycle leaning against plants and trees in an outdoor setting during dusk or dawn.
Two children walking and laughing on a busy city street at night, with rain and bright neon signs in the background.

PORTLAND, OR | FEBRUARY 4, 2026

A first-of-its-kind film showcase celebrating human storytelling in all its evolving forms—traditional cinema, generative AI, and the messy, magical middle in between.

Person dressed in a futuristic costume with a reflective dome helmet and red sunglasses, posing against a black background.
ATTEND THE SHOWCASE →
SUBMIT YOUR FILM →

*FEELINGS *PERSPECTIVES *BACKGROUNDS *EMOTIONS *SIGNALS *MESSAGES *REALITIES *NARRATIVES *CULTURES *DISCIPLINES *FREQUENCIES *FORMATS *IDENTITIES *INTENTIONS *VIEWS *MATERIALS *MEDIA

*FEELINGS *PERSPECTIVES *BACKGROUNDS *EMOTIONS *SIGNALS *MESSAGES *REALITIES *NARRATIVES *CULTURES *DISCIPLINES *FREQUENCIES *FORMATS *IDENTITIES *INTENTIONS *VIEWS *MATERIALS *MEDIA

FILM SUBMISSION DEADLINE — JANUARY 5, 2026

HOW IT WORKS ↓

SHARE YOUR STORY

We’re seeking curious creators ready to jump in with MIXED* and submit a film to our upcoming showcase. Share your story and take the first step with us.

SUBMIT FILM →

JOIN FUTURE STORY LAB

Explore the tools, workflows, and hybrid approaches shaping hybrid filmmaking. From concept to post, our sessions will help you create with confidence.

ATTEND SESSION →

ATTEND THE SHOWCASE

In the new year, we’ll come together for the first-ever MIXED* event on February 4, 2026 at the Tomorrow Theater. Event registration is now live at the link below.

BUY TICKET →

SHOWCASE VENUE ↓

TOMORROW

THEATER

PORTLAND STAGE

GLOBAL COMMUNITY

OUR PARTNERS

WELCOME TO STORY LAB

A WORKSHOP SERIES PRESENTED BY MIXED*
Part classroom, part accelerator, part creative playground. Here we explore the future of film, content, and media in the age of AI—through hands-on experiments, mixed-format sessions, and community-led workshops.

The goal is simple: inspire, educate, and empower creatives and technologists alike. From tool tutorials to creative provocations and film fundamentals, STORY LAB is where curious minds come together to test ideas, learn new workflows, and reimagine stories.

EXPLORE STORY LAB →

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • MIXED* is a Film & Story Showcase—a platform where filmmakers, mixed-media artists, and creative technologists come together to experiment, collaborate, and share stories. It’s where cinematic craft meets generative AI tools, and where storytelling in all its evolving forms takes center stage.

  • Anyone can submit a story for consideration in the showcase. Whether you’re a seasoned director, indie filmmaker, AI content creator, or first-time explorer—you’re welcome. Teams can be just you, or a group of collaborators. Cross-discipline projects are especially encouraged, since the magic often lives at the intersections.

  • The main Film & Story Showcase will take place on February 4, 2026 in Portland, Oregon at the Tomorrow Theater. In the spirit of co-creation, we’re shaping MIXED*—feedback on programming for the event is welcomed.

  • The first step is to submit your project via FilmFreeway. Stories should ideally combine traditional filmmaking and AI in creative ways. Submissions are due January 5, 2026 with OFFICIAL SELECTIONS to be announced January 15, 2026. You can expect regular updates from our planning team between now and then.

  • Don’t be scared by the word “film.” Above all, we’re looking for compelling stories. Short narratives, music videos, experimental films, animations, horror shorts, or spec ads are all welcome. Surprise us with something new. Because of the live format, we encourage projects between 1–15 minutes in length.

  • Cross-border collaboration is highly encouraged. Selected filmmakers are encouraged to attend the live showcase in Portland, Oregon (not required, but highly encouraged). Travel and lodging are at the filmmaker’s expense.

  • We’re happy to share creative prompts and playful constraints to spark ideas, but you’re free to take your story in any direction. Think of the theme as MIXED* itself—where real cameras, generative tools, and human/machine collaboration can merge in unexpected ways.

  • A juried panel will review submissions and select 4–6 standout teams to present live. All projects, however, will eventually be featured online. Work-in-progress is welcome—whether that’s a polished short, a prototype, or even a trailer. We value ideas more than perfection.

  • Leading up to the showcase, our plan is to host virtual workshops and STORY LAB sessions covering tools, workflows, and creative development. If you’re an expert in one of these areas, we’d love to hear from you about hosting a workshop.

  • Five OFFICIAL SELECTIONS will be chosen for screening, each receiving a signature MIXED* laurel and a spotlight at the live showcase on February 4, 2026, at Tomorrow Theatre in Portland, Oregon.

    One film will receive THE ASTERISK AWARD, recognizing the story that best embodies the ethos of MIXED*—its emotional depth, creative curiosity, and the fusion of human and technological artistry that define this new cinematic era.

SAY HELLO →
BUY TICKET →