Mana Contemporary, in collaboration with Chicago Dancemakers Forum and montom arts, is accepting entries for the second annual Mana Contemporary Body + Camera Festival.

This dynamic festival celebrates the intersection between the moving body and the moving image, focusing on risk-taking and independent artists, with contemporary, experimental projects that push traditional mediums to their edge. The festival is designed to provide audiences with a broad spectrum of perspectives from artists making contemporary works in the fields of experimental, dance and performance film. With the addition of special screenings and artist talks surrounding the main program, Body + Camera hopes to engage filmmakers and audiences alike in discussion around the festival’s themes.

The 2017 festival featured over 40+ short films by emerging and established artists from around the world, that explore the intersection between the body and the moving image. The works were presented over two days as short programs, installations and special live presentations, curated into 5 unique programs and installations drawn from over 250 submissions from across the globe. See full program from the 2017 festival here: http://www.manacontemporarychicago.com/2017bodycamera

Rules & Terms

The festival encourages submissions including—but not limited to—the following categories: contemporary dance and performance film, installation, interactive technology, interactive live performance, animation, non-dance choreography, and documentary.

We offer a special program for filmmakers under 21, Body + Camera: Young Voices. Submissions to this group must be under 2 minutes in length and can be shot on any type of camera (cell phone cameras included). Selected films need not have professional production but should combine filmmaking and movement elements creatively.

Works must be recent with a completion date of 2013 or after.

Entries will be reviewed by an expert panel selected by Chicago Dancemakers Forum and Mana Contemporary. They will be evaluated on the portrayal of artistic risk and rigor; fortitude in expanding the conversation amongst mediums; and within the context of curating a festival with a broad spectrum of diverse creative voices. Upon selection, the ultimate curation will focus each program around theme, not genre or medium.

Selected projects will be screened and exhibited as part of a weekend-long event, with associated programming including talks, panels, live performance, and social events. The festival will occur at Mana Contemporary Chicago in Fall 2018 (October 5th - 7th) with subsequent events at Mana Contemporary, Jersey City and Mana Contemporary Miami between Fall 2018 and Spring 2019 (Dates TBD)

Submissions and applications are due before 11:59PM CST Monday, May 21, 2018. Up to two submissions per artist.

For general inquiries please contact: bodycamerafest@manacontemporary.com

For sponsorship or press inquiries please contact: MFEINGOLD@MANACONTEMPORARY.COM