the sequestered film festival and Quarantine archive

    We are a free, non-competitive biweekly film festival open to anyone with time on their hands and an itch to create something during the Covid-19 pandemic.

All films must be created in a week, shot on a phone, 1 - 5 minutes long, and use the prompt all without leaving the filmmaker's shelter-in-place location.  

No fancy equipment, mobility or experience necessary.  

Want to watch or participate? 

Scroll down for the festival rules  and films from all our previous editions.

Our prompts give amateur, aspiring, and professional filmmakers a way to channel their anxiety and creativity each week.  New prompts are announced every other Saturday afternoon- sign up for the newsletter to be the first to know.

Want to participate, but keep missing the deadline?

Everyone's priorities are shifting right now. If this project adds another fifty tons of stress to your life, it's okay. Come back later. There will be another round next week, and every fifth edition is a chance to submit a revised edit of a past submission, or one that didn't make it in before the deadline.

From March 2020 through January 2021, The Sequestered ran as a weekly film festival. In Feb 2021, we adjusted the format to give more time to participants. Your voice makes a difference.

This festival was founded on the belief that filmmaking should be accessible to all, and that creativity can connect otherwise isolated individuals.

Over 300 films have been created for The Sequestered, and we encourage participants to use the festival as a place to try something new.  Are you an actor who wants to try editing, or someone curious about trying animation? We encourage all levels of experience, all creative backgrounds and all perspectives.

What can you do with your film after The Sequestered? 

Keep working on it

 Past submissions have grown into standalone short films, and have been official selections at Indie Shorts Film Festival, Astoria Film Festival, White Deer International Film Festival and more!