Exeter Dance International Film Festival

*There will be no festival in 2025. We hope to return in 2026*

EDIFF is an exciting not-for-profit international dance film festival for the UK's South West. Set in the heart of Exeter, this full weekend event brims with world-class independent dance films, Q&As, workshops & networking sessions. We ran incredible festivals in 2022, 23 and 24.

Exeter Dance International Film Festival has grown from the desire to see more high quality dance films being showcased and championed in the South West. From hip hop to ballroom, breaking to contemporary, EDIFF has something for everyone. We are dance film enthusiasts looking to showcase and support authentic art.

The Hall is an arts venue where history and modernity collide. Located on Stepcote Hill in Exeter's ancient West Quarter, it has long been the home of artists and free thinkers. EDIFF is continuing that long tradition by screening the festival from this distinguished location. Complete with seating for 100 people, world-class projection and sound, optional use of headsets for the immersive experience, a bar and even popcorn - this is the perfect setting for you to screen your film with us.

Our online festival runs for a week after the in-person weekend, showcasing all official selection films. There will be a scheduled zoom mixer session during this week for filmmakers to meet each other and network.

Guest curators will award one winner plus honourable mentions in each category, plus additional awards for: choreography, dancer, location, editing, cinematography, costume, soundtrack, sound design, concept, and Film of the Festival.
Some filmmakers will have the opportunity for their films to be shown in our specially curated EDIFF series as a part of Jeff Howard’s ‘Discover Indie Film TV’ programme. Films to be chosen by the Festival Director after the festival run.

• Films will be selected based on their quality, authenticity and fit with EDIFF's ethos. The Judges' decision is final.
• All entries must have been completed since 1st January 2023
• All foreign language films must have embedded English subtitles or they cannot be considered
• All films must have an online screener
• Please do not submit films that you have previously submitted to us
• Filmmakers are responsible for acquiring copyright for any music featured in their films, as well as copyrights, licenses and releases for any other media used in their films. The participant guarantees that they are the holder of all usage rights necessary for the screening of their film at our events
• We do not show any film that is specifically commenting on events that have had an impact on ongoing conflicts around the world.
• EDIFF reserves the right to remove any selected film at short notice (in this instance submission fees will be refunded).
• Filmmakers retain the rights to their films
• By submitting their films, filmmakers give EDIFF the right to share on all of our social media any posters, trailers, website and other links associated with the film
• Official Selections will be screened at our live event on October 19 2024 and/or in our online event October 21 - 27 2024
• Entry fees are non-refundable
• Maximum run times are shown within each category
• EDIFF reserves the right to transfer films into a different category to the one(s) submitted to
• Submissions are accepted exclusively online via FilmFreeway
• EDIFF reserves the right to refuse any film copy that is not deemed by our technicians to be of an acceptable quality for public screening
• No recordings of live performances will be accepted

Overall Rating

Quality

Value

Communication

Hospitality

Networking

Marc Bourdeau

Wonderful festival, impeccable communication, worthwhile exposure and promotion. Highly recommended!

December 2024

Helpful

Response from festival:

Thanks so much for your feedback Marc! We loved sharing your film.
Melanie Rose Huff

I had such an incredible experience attending this festival and was so honored to have my film, Wasteland, selected for screening. The team was very responsive and helpful beforehand and the atmosphere at the festival was warm and welcoming. Such a lovely selection of quality films and a very inspiring weekend!

November 2024

Helpful

Response from festival:

Thanks so much Melanie! It was lovely to meet you and we're all so glad you had such a positive experience at EDIFF.
Darren & Suzanne James-Teale

A huge thank you to Exeter for selecting Heartlands: Earth and Bones. A great festival with a fantastic programme of films.

November 2024

Helpful

Response from festival:

Thanks so much Darren & Suzanne!
Sad K

It was a fantastic festival, and the execution team was incredibly supportive. Attending the festival provided me with invaluable insights and inspiration for my film. I extend my sincere thanks to the festival organizers."

November 2024

Helpful

Response from festival:

Dear Sadra, thanks so much for your feedback, we were honoured to share your film and we wish you the best of luck with all of your future endeavours.
Hippogryph Films

We were thrilled to attend and have our film, "Voila" win "Film Of The Festival" at EDIFF 2024. The festival was a fantastic experience! The organisers did a great job - wonderful communication, friendly, professional and well organised. The beautiful venue added to the charm of the festival. We hope to attend again in the future!

November 2024

Helpful

Response from festival:

Dear Aman & Leigh, congratulations on your film and your award! Thanks so much for being a part of our festival, it was such a pleasure.