The Inspired Dance Film Festival (IDFF) stands as Australia's foremost international celebration of dance on film, embodying the spirit of artistic innovation and global collaboration. As the festival prepares for its 5th annual season, IDFF24 promises an immersive experience in the heart of Sydney, where dance filmmakers from around the world converge to showcase their extraordinary talents.

One of the hallmarks of IDFF is its commitment to inclusivity, reflected in its thoughtfully designed award categories that illuminate the rich diversity within the dance filmmaking industry. This emphasis on recognising and celebrating varied voices and perspectives distinguishes IDFF as a trailblazer in fostering an all-encompassing space for artistic expression.

The festival unfolds across various engaging formats, beginning with curated in-person screenings that bring the magic of dance on film to a live audience. These screenings serve as a communal celebration of the art form, creating a shared experience for attendees to revel in the beauty and creativity of dance captured on screen.

IDFF goes beyond screenings, offering a comprehensive program that includes masterclasses and talks conducted by industry experts. This provides an invaluable opportunity for aspiring filmmakers and dance enthusiasts to learn from seasoned professionals, gaining insights into the intricate fusion of dance and film.

In a nod to the digital age, all officially selected films find a home in the festival's Digital Suite, allowing global accessibility to the cinematic gems that captivate audiences. This online platform not only extends the reach of the festival but also democratises the experience, making it accessible to dance enthusiasts worldwide.

The festival's commitment to fostering dialogue and learning extends to discussion panels featuring industry professionals. These panels delve into the nuances of dance filmmaking, offering a space for discourse, exchange of ideas, and networking opportunities for both emerging and established talent.

The pinnacle of the IDFF experience is the much-anticipated Gala Screening and Awards Ceremony. This grand finale serves as a testament to the dedication and creativity of the showcased filmmakers, culminating in the recognition of outstanding contributions through a series of prestigious awards.

In essence, IDFF is not just a festival; it is a dynamic and inclusive platform that amplifies the voices of dance filmmakers, propelling the art form into new and exciting territories. It is a celebration of diversity, creativity, and the universal language of dance, making it a must-attend event for enthusiasts and practitioners alike.

Awards & Prizes

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Short Film Category Awards (Maximum 20 min)
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Best Student Dance Film Award (18 yrs +)

Best Dance Short Film Award

Best Art/Experimental Dance Film Award

Best Australian First Nations Dance Film Award

Best Disabled Dance Film Award

Best Queer Dance Film Award

Best Mobile Device Dance Film Award

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Unrestricted Time Categories Awards
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Best Live Performance Capture Dance Film Award

Best Documentary Dance Film Award

Best Extended Short or Feature Dance Film Award

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Overall Awards
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Best of the Fest Dance Film Award

Best Film Production Award

Best Australian Dance Film Award

Best International Dance Film Award

(All award winners receive a trophy and award laurel)

**Note**

To be eligible for the category awards you must enter your film into the relevant category.

You may enter your film into more than one category (eg: Students may enter the student category and mobile device category). Submission fees apply for each category entered.

Rules & Terms

1. Films for Inspired Dance Film Festival (IDFF) Official Selection must be no longer than 20 minutes for short film categories, including titles and credits, and no time restrictions for documentary, feature film and live capture categories. There is no minimum time limit.

2. IDFF accepts and encourages all dance genres.

3. You can use any software to edit video and audio.

4. You can use any software for colour correction or special effects.

5. You cannot use copyright material unless you have documentation to prove you have legal authorisation from the musician, artist, writer or record label and must be granted for worldwide release. We may ask for this documentation at any time.

6. You may also be required to provide Dancer Release Forms to be signed by the people appearing in your film.

7. The festival is open to filmmakers 18yrs and above.

8. Submission deadlines are  22 February 2024 (early bird), 4th August 2023 (regular), and 25th August 2023 (extended).

9. Entrants must agree to their film being uploaded to the IDFF website, online, and on the Inspired Dance TV Youtube channel at the festival organiser’s discretion unless stated otherwise and/or discussed with IDFF. Please email us at submissions@inspireddance.com.au if you have any concerns about this.

10. All content submitted must be in accordance with the law and any perceived illegal activity will be reported to the appropriate authorities.

11. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

12. If your film is selected as a finalist it must be submitted in a 16:9 ratio, non-compressed format. We recommend ProRes files in the largest size possible, with a constant frame rate of 24 fps and Stereo 48kHz sound the best quality cinema presentation. You will also need to provide a high res MP4 version of your film for digital presentation.

13. Your film can have screened in other film festivals.

14. Submissions are accepted exclusively through FilmFreeway.

15. You can enter as many films as you like.

16. If anyone is found to have broken any of the rules then you may be disqualified from the festival at the discretion of the panel.

17. By entering IDFF, you agree to allow your film to be screened as part of our festival, as well as any subsequent tour programs. No fees will be paid to filmmakers.

18. By entering, you agree to allow IDFF to distribute your film to a third party. Your film’s producer will be consulted on any deals and we will never distribute your film without complete permission and agreeance to do so. If no suitable agreement can be found we will not include your film in the distribution. This in no way impacts your entry into IDFF itself.
6 Reviews
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  • Richard de Carvalho

    A quality festival, plus it's held right on our doorstep, so being a finalist for "Dancing With My Mother" was incredible special. Thank you to all involved behind the scenes.

    February 2024
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  • Θάλεια Δητσα

    We were thrilled to be part of this very fresh and vibrant festival with our Song of Myself screening in the finalists program. The screenings were exciting and the overall organization and communication with the festival team was very appreciative, immediate and easy! We were grateful to be part of this amazing festival and enjoyed the whole process. Wishing you the best and to continue growing in such an embracing and enriching way !

    November 2023
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  • Wataru Iwata

    Thank you very much for us to take part in your wonderful festival. Also, we are all very grateful to Miroirs for your selection as a semi-finalist!

    October 2022
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  • Carl Flink

    First of all, thank you to the Inspired Dance team for selecting our film "A Dream of Touch When Touch Is Gone!" Everything to do with Inspired Dance was top drawer. They are building an incredible festival.

    November 2021
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  • Peter Bramante

    The team at Inspired Dance Film Festival were fantastic, appreciative and provided great communication. We were thrilled to be a part of it!

    November 2021
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