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.

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 2022
• 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
• 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
  • Steve Woods

    Hard working festival with an obvious love for Dance Film.

    November 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Steve! It was great to have your wonderful documentary as a part of the festival.

  • Excellent and inspiring.

    The young dancers from Bridport Youth Dance were delighted and very grateful to have two Dance Weaver films selected for the online festival programme. Thank you.

    October 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Such a pleasure to include your films and thank you for the lovely review!

  • Richard James Allen

    It was a great pleasure to screen 'Impossible Image' at the Exeter Dance International Film Festival. Karen Pearlman and I were very impressed by all aspects of the organisation and communication from Jenny Pill and her team, and, of course, thrilled to receive awards for documentary, costume and editing .

    October 2023
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    Response from festival:

    I'm so glad it was a positive experience for you both, and thank you again for sharing your amazing film with us!

  • A very nice Festival run by very nice people. Thanks for having me. Thanks for awarding our project. Much luv!

    October 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much Kai! And congratulations on a brilliant film :)

  • Margaret Beals

    We were truly honored and pleased to be a part of the Exeter Dance International Film Festival. It is professional, well-organized, and offers a venue with state-of-the-art technology, especially its sound system and screening capabilities. The organizers are pleasant, friendly, warm, and easy to work with while attending to every detail. We appreciate their prioritizing our needs by providing networking opportunities including online filmmaker mixers and a week of online screenings to accompany the in-person event. This festival, though only two years old, should quickly build an excellent reputation among the dance and film worlds. - Adriana Davis and Margaret Beals, Co-Directors

    October 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Dear Adriana & Margaret, thank you so much for your review, I'm so happy that it was such a good experience for you both. We loved having you and your amazing film as a part of our festival.