INTERSECTIONAL ECOFEMINISM

Performing Sustainability

22. – 28. September 2025

Theater – Livemusik – Site Specific Performances – Video-Installationen – Workshops – Symposium

The International Women* Theatre Festival (IFTF)** is an event dedicated to strengthening the position and perspectives of women* in contemporary theatre, advancing discussions on gender equality on a cultural level, and establishing a continuing education program for the professionalization of theatre makers. For the past nine years, this festival has provided important impulses for the empowerment of feminist projects at both the state and federal levels. As part of the Magdalena Project network, we are internationally connected and committed to establishing this network within Germany’s independent theatre scene.

IF*TF
2025

Ecofeminism connects the dots between environmentalism, feminism, and social justice, highlighting how environmental degradation and social inequalities are intertwined. The earth and marginalized communities are often exploited in similar ways, and both need protection and care.

The Intersectional Environmentalist – by Leah Thomas

For our diverse program, we are looking for artistic contributions that engage with intersectional ecofeminism and speak to an equally diverse audience.

We are particularly interested in how your work relates to our annual theme, especially with regard to the following aspects:

  • Women*, the environment, and social justice*:
    How does your work explore the links between patriarchal structures, environmental destruction, and social exclusion? Which perspectives of marginalized groups – such as BIPoC women*, queer individuals, workers, or people with disabilities – are made visible?
  • Intersectional artistic strategies:
    What aesthetic, performative, or collaborative methods have theatre makers and artists developed in recent years to create environmentally conscious, feminist, and anti-colonial creative processes?
  • Dealing with ecological and social conflicts:
    How does artistic work respond to the complex tensions between gender justice, the climate crisis, and global inequality? Are there strategies of care, resistance, or collective healing?
  • Visions of solidarity and sustainability:
    How do directors, writers, performers, and musicians imagine a more just and united future? What roles do feminist utopias, ecological transformation, and the voices of underrepresented communities play in these visions?

WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

  • Theatre performances, performance art, dance
  • Performances in public spaces – e.g. audio walks, site-specific performances
  • Workshop facilitators in performing arts and music
  • DJs* and live musicians/bands
  • Video art, short films, video installations for our “Pandora’s Box” format
  • Contributions for our gallery – e.g. photography, paintings, etc.
  • Contributions to the topic for our symposium

DEADLINE: May 30, 2025
Apply via the form below (on the website) or alternatively via email at
📧 info@iftf-frankfurt.com

APPLICATION MATERIALS:

  • Performance description (one A4 page)
  • Press information (max. 400 characters)
  • Visual materials (2–3 photos) and full video material (via link)
  • Technical rider and cost plan

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until May 30, 2025. We aim to respond to all applicants by June 31, 2025.

We look forward to a wide range of feminist contributions, research, productions, and ideas!

The asterisk (*) stands for people who identify as women. The International Women* Theatre Festival (IFTF) is a platform for all women*. A person’s self-defined gender or sexual identity is a central part of the feminist empowerment process, as is the support of people regardless of origin, religion, or age.*

At IFTF, everyone is welcome at theatre performances, public events, and forums. The workshops remain a safe space for women and girls*.

Let us know if you’d like help crafting your own application or tailoring your concept to fit the festival’s theme!

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

What do I need to apply?

You can find all the data required for an application to the IFTF under the “Open Call” tab

 

How long does my work have to be for the IFTF Festival?

The minimum duration of the works is: Theatre: 60 min, Performance: 15 min, Pandora-Box (video installations): no minimum duration

 

What is the price range that the festival can pay for artists?

Unfortunately, we cannot make a general statement about the price range. It also depends on how much funding we receive this year.

 

Is it possible to apply without video material?

Unfortunately, it is not possible to apply for theatre and performance without a video. Workshops, on the other hand, do not need a video for the application.

 

Do the artistic works already have to be finished at the time of application for the “Open Call”?

For an application for the general programme, the works must already be completed. An exception is the theme evening: “work in progress/work demo”, where works can be shown that have not yet been fully completed. Please apply via the normal “open call” form and mark your work as “work in progress/work demo”.

 

Do the workshops have to relate exclusively to the subject areas?

No. The subject areas should serve as a frame of reference, but are not intended to be limiting.

 

What exactly is the residency programme during the festival?

The residency programme is intended to give artists the opportunity to sleep on our cultural grounds for the entire duration of the festival, receive full board, attend the workshops and thus get to know us better and promote exchange. The flat rate for this is 30 €/per day/per person. The sleeping places are in different containers and caravans on our premises with up to 5 sleeping places (we try to put groups together, it may be that different people sleep in one container/caravan, each person has their own bed).

 

What are the dimensions of the hall where theatre/performances take place?

The dimensions of the multifunctional hall are: Length 13 M, width 11 M, height 4.2 M.

 

What costs must be stated in the “cost plan”?

Travelling expenses and fees must be stated in the cost plan. During your performance, board and lodging will be provided by the IFTF and cannot be included in the “cost plan”.

 

What are the general conditions on the cultural site?

During the festival, you will be cooked for by a kitchen team and can eat all meals together with us and other artists. The sleeping places are in different containers and caravans on our site with up to 5 sleeping places (we try to put groups together, it may be that different people sleep in one container/caravan, each person has their own bed.

Please send us the following application documents

  • Performance description (one A4 page)
  • Press release (max. 400 characters)
  • Illustrative material (2-3 photos)
  • complete video material (as link),
  • Technical Rider
  • Cost Plan

    Please note the information in the PDF file and send us your application documents:

    https://iftf-frankfurt.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/Open-Call-Pandoras-Box-IFTF-2025.pdf

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