ELIGIBILITY:
We are looking for dance that lives on the screen and is built for the lens. We welcome works of all styles and approaches, prioritizing the relationship between movement and the screen. Space, time, and perspective are choreographed as fully as the body. The camera does not observe, it moves, responds, composes. The frame holds intention. The cut creates meaning. Choreography and cinematography exist together; one could not exist without the other. We invite you to create for the screen, and to let the screen shape the dance.
Submissions are reviewed by a selection committee. Works should demonstrate a clear integration of dance and film. Recordings of live performance without cinematic intention will not be considered.
Selections are guided by:
Choreography and performance
Use of the camera and visual composition
Editing and rhythm
Artistic voice and clarity
Program cohesion
Presented as part of the Alabama Dance Festival, all selected works must be appropriate for audiences of all ages. The committee reserves the right to exclude works that include extreme violence, nudity, or harsh language. Program length and overall balance will also shape final selections.
NOTES:
Films using any movement/dance genre or style will be considered.
Films containing language other than English must have English subtitles.
Documentation of live performances will not be accepted.
Alabama Screendance Film Festival reserves the right to determine the final eligibility of any work.
GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) POLICY:
We acknowledge that AI is an available tool that will continue to be used, yet encourage filmmakers to rely upon their own creativity. We will consider films that contain generative AI content as long the filmmaker discloses its use. Failure to disclose Gen AI use may result in disqualification. The IBM definition of generative AI will be our guideline: “AI that can create original content such as text, images, video, audio, or software code in response to a user’s prompt or request.”
EXHIBITION AGREEMENT & MARKETING MATERIAL:
Selected films must provide a high-quality download of their film, artist bios, credits, 1-2 screenshots or production photos, film poster, and an artist statement. Submission to the Alabama Screendance Film Festival constitutes an agreement with all festival terms and conditions, and permission to exhibit the work during the Festival and additional community engagements during the Alabama Dance Festival season, if selected. Entrant agrees to provide the materials to the festival at their own expense, delivered digitally upon submission.
LICENSES AND PERMISSIONS:
Submitters warrant that they have the legal right to submit the work to Alabama Screendance Film Festival, that all statements made in this application are true and accurate, and that all necessary rights, permissions, or clearances have been secured to screen the work at the Festival. Neither the Alabama Dance Council, the Alabama Dance Festival, nor the Alabama Screendance Film Festival is responsible for obtaining permissions or rights for material.
By submitting, the filmmaker grants Alabama Screendance Film Festival the right to screen the film and agree to save, indemnify, and hold Alabama Screendance Film Festival, Alabama Dance Festival, and the Alabama Dance Council (including their officers, directors or trustees, employees, agents, and independent contractors) harmless from and against any and all claims, actions, suits, procedures, costs, expenses (including attorneys’ fees), damages and liabilities arising from the submitter's failure to secure any necessary rights. The filmmaker acknowledges and assumes full responsibility for all necessary licenses and/or permissions to screen this work, including but not limited to any text, sound, or media.
Thank you for your interest in the Alabama Screendance Film Festival!
For any clarifications, please contact info@alabamadancecouncil.org.
