![A sold-out audience enjoys the world premiere screening of "Tiler Peck: Suspending Time" at the 2025 San Francisco Dance Film Festival.](https://sfdancefilmfest.org/wp-content/uploads/slider/cache/05170b3170853db77fa8c00ff16d610d/SFDFF-2026CFS-Slide4.jpg "A sold-out audience enjoys the world premiere screening of "Tiler Peck: Suspending Time" at the 2025 San Francisco Dance Film Festival.")
SFDFF'S 2026 CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS IS NOW CLOSED.
San Francisco Dance Film Festival (SFDFF) is a multi-day international event showcasing the best in dance film from around the world. The 2026 Festival will take place in theaters and streaming in late fall, offering screenings, industry panels, live performances, and other opportunities for artists to interact.
Our 2026 Call for Submissions opened on January 15 and closed on May 8. Details about 2027 submissions will be announced in January 2027. Subscribe to our email list to be alerted (select “Film Submissions” in your content preferences).
2025 SFDFF event photos by Reneff-Olson Productions.
2026 SUBMISSIONS DATES
Opening Date: January 15
Early Bird Deadline: January 31
Regular Deadline: April 17
Extended Deadline: May 8
Filmmaker Notification: July 15
FILM CATEGORIES
We consider dance-based films of all lengths, genres/styles, dance forms, and budgets in the following categories: Art/Experimental, Documentary, Music Video, Screendance, and Narrative. Click here to learn more about these categories.
ENTRY FEE
$40 per entry / $25 student rate (early bird deadline)
$50 per entry / $35 student rate (regular deadline)
$60 per entry / $45 student rate (extended deadline)
EXHIBITION FORMATS
Selected films will be requested in their native frame rate in QuickTime format using one of the following codecs: ProRes, ProRes HQ, or ProRes 4444. Blu-ray may be requested as an additional option for films over 20 minutes ONLY. A ProRes file will also be required as backup.
SELECTED FILMMAKER BENEFITS
— Eligibility for filmmaker awards.
— Free Festival Pass providing admission to programs and events during the festival.
— Industry networking and discovery opportunities. Many SFDFF selections have gone on to receive distribution offers.
— Opportunities for further exposure via our “On the Road” touring reel and other educational outreach programs.
— Opportunities to have your film highlighted on SFDFF’s social media channels (Instagram: 120k followers; Facebook: 33k followers).
— Consideration for streaming opportunities with our digital partner, Marquee TV, and on Dance Film SF’s streaming platform.
— Inclusion in our permanent digital archive.
— “Official SFDFF Selection” laurel to help promote your film.
While we can’t cover travel or accommodation expenses, we would be happy to provide an official letter of invitation for you to seek travel grants.
AWARDS & PRIZES
All films selected for the Festival are eligible for the following awards. Winners will be chosen by an independent award jury.
— Best Documentary Feature
— Best Documentary Short
— Best Short Under 5
— Best Short Over 5
— Best Music Video
Additionally, Audience Favorite awards will be announced the week following the festival.
In addition to receiving an award, winning films may be presented at encore screenings.
GENERAL SUBMISSION RULES
1) All dance-based films of any style or length will be considered.
Please note: Although we will accept films that are publicly available online, in order to attract press coverage for your film, it is preferred that links remain PRIVATE until after the closing of the festival.
2) Films must have a production date of 2024 or later.
3) Filmmakers must include high-resolution film stills and/or production photos with each submission, including photo credits.
4) All films with dialogue or music lyrics must include a closed caption .srt file if selected.
5) Music for all films must be fully licensed for consideration.
6) AI content must be disclosed at the time of submission.
7) In order to receive the Student submission rate, student filmmakers must submit a current, valid student ID or proof of enrollment at the time the film was made, with their submission.
8) As fellow artists, we take to heart the amount of work put into each film. Therefore, we are careful to ensure that each film is screened by at least three reviewers.
Questions?
Please use the contact form below or call us at 844.567.3333