Presented by Austin Dance Festival 2027, the DANCE ON FILM screening event will take place on the evening of Thursday, February 25, 2027, at the Galaxy Theatres Austin, Texas. We are accepting short dance films which utilize dance choreography and/or body movement alongside cinematic design to create a distinct and enticing view.

Please continue reading below for our "FAQs" and further through the "Rules & Terms" before proceeding with this application. If you have any questions after reading, contact Jennifer Williams (Co-Director of Dance on Film) at jenniferadfdof@gmail.com for assistance.

FAQs:

WHAT GENRE OF FILM ARE YOU ACCEPTING?
We are accepting films which highlight or incorporate dance performance and choreography. Cinematic design alongside central choreography themes should be used to reveal central themes of the film, whether these themes be connected to a narrative or story, states of being, or more experimental / formal concerns.

WHAT ARE THE APPLICATION FEES?
Standard Fee: $50.00 per application
We are not able to offer fee waivers for the 2027 festival.

IS THERE A TIME LIMIT?
Yes, 10 minutes maximum.

HOW DO I APPLY?
You're already here! The only way to apply to DANCE ON FILM is via FilmFreeway: the world's #1 way to discover and submit to film festivals and creative contests. Please keep reviewing the FAQs before proceeding to the application.

WILL I NEED TO ALLOW DOWNLOAD ACCESS TO MY FILM?
Yes! When you submit your application you must provide the FINAL VERSION of your film along with ACCESS TO DOWNLOAD the video file. If we are unable to download the file upon initial viewing, we will send a download request to the submitter's email.

If we don't hear back from you before the deadline your film will no longer be considered.

CAN I SUBMIT MORE THAN ONE PIECE?
Yes, you may submit more than one piece. However, each piece will need to be submitted separately and an application fee is required for each piece.

CAN MY VIDEO SUBMISSION BE A WORK IN PROGRESS? DOES IT HAVE TO BE FINISHED?
Please do not apply with unfinished work - we will need to view the film in its final version in order for it to be considered for our festival.

HOW WILL I KNOW IF I’VE BEEN SELECTED?
All applicants will receive an email by the notification date, January 8, 2027.
*If you do not receive an email by this time, please contact Jennifer Williams at jenniferadfdof@gmail.com

DO PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE A STIPEND?
-Yes, selected films will receive a stipend through PayPal of $100.00 (one stipend per film). If you do not have a PayPal account, you can create one here: https://www.paypal.com/ar/webapps/mpp/account-selection?locale.x=en_AR
-Stipends will be sent after the screening takes place.
-Each screened film will also receive one complimentary ticket to the "Dance on Film" screening on February 25, 2027.

DO I HAVE TO BE PRESENT AT THE SCREENING IF I AM FROM OUT OF TOWN?
No, you may submit a film to the festival even if you are unable to attend the screening or festival. We’ll miss you, though!

ARE THERE ANY SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT THE EVENT?
Yes! Directors are encouraged to participate in the Pre-Screening Meet-Up to chat with audience members, media representatives, and other Directors. A moderated Director's Chat immediately following the screening offers an opportunity to delve deeper into your film making process with our attendees.

WILL MY FILM RECEIVE ANY FEEDBACK OR CRITIQUE?
No, we do not provide feedback or critiques for applicants.

I’VE READ THROUGH THE GUIDELINES AND FAQS, AND I STILL HAVE A QUESTION!
Not a problem. Contact: Jennifer Williams at jenniferadfdof@gmail.com
Thank you for applying to Austin Dance Festival's DANCE ON FILM!

All selected films will receive an "Official Selection" laurel in PNG format for promotional purposes.

1. If a film is selected, it is understood that the filmmaker is agreeing for Austin Dance Festival 2027 to screen the film during the Dance on Film event on February 25, 2027. It is understood that The Producer is presenting a program of independently created works. The Filmmaker warrants that its screening will not infringe upon the proprietary rights of any other person or firm. In the event of fire, accident, war, riot, rebellion, hurricane, pandemic or other similar cause beyond the control of the respective parties hereto, neither party shall be held liable for the delay or suspension of services.

2. Austin Dance Festival 2027 has permission to use still photos and/or excerpt video clips (no longer than 10 seconds) taken from the selected film in order to promote Austin Dance Festival on social media, on the Austin Dance Festival website, and on printed marketing materials.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Marina Waltz

    Absolutely brilliant and stand-out festival, I loved the care that was put into the short film curation and the people who run it are so passionate

    March 2025
  • Gizem tataroğlu

    First of all, thank you for your help with transportation during the festival—I truly appreciate it!

    I also wanted to share some feedback regarding the overall festival experience. On FilmFreeway, information about the festival’s awards was listed (such as the Grand Jury “Bluebonnet” Award, Avant Garde Award, etc.), which gave the impression that similar awards would be presented this year. However, after the festival concluded, I couldn’t find any announcement regarding awards, and the delayed clarification that no ranked awards were given was unexpected. If these awards are no longer offered, I kindly suggest updating or removing this information on FilmFreeway to avoid any misunderstandings.

    Additionally, I believe that incorporating a small networking element after the festival could be valuable. Gathering the attending directors for a group photo in front of the festival banner would not only serve as a great keepsake but also strengthen the festival’s sense of community. A brief post-festival gathering could also help filmmakers connect and foster potential collaborations.

    Overall, I truly enjoyed being part of the festival and appreciate all the effort that went into making it happen. I hope this feedback is helpful, and I look forward to seeing the festival continue to grow!

    March 2025
  • Kari Hoaas

    Great festival and good communication. Unfortunately I could not attend in person.

    April 2023
  • Paul Rabinowitz

    Great communication and loved the other films.

    April 2023
  • Wonderful festival--organized, enthusiastic, excellent and individualized promotion of the selected artists. It was an honor and a pleasure to get to be a part of what they're doing, and I only wish I could have been there in person. Thank you!

    September 2022
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Maya! We ADORED your film "plum tree / gorilla / ladder" and would love to see more work of yours in the future!