Welcome to Montrose International Screendance Festival, Chicago! Instagram - @screendance.chicago

The Montrose International Screendance Festival is committed to fostering and strengthening the Chicago screendance community while celebrating the vibrancy of the global field. Through the art of dance on film, we create space for meaningful connection, collaboration, and exchange among dance film creatives.

We prioritize cultivating a supportive home for local artists while welcoming voices from around the world, recognizing that screendance thrives through dialogue across cultures and perspectives. By embracing filmmakers of all experience levels, we nurture an inclusive environment that encourages artistic risk-taking, innovation, and shared learning.

The festival serves as a dynamic platform for presentation, conversation, and creative growth — connecting local and international artists, expanding access to the art form, and contributing to the continued evolution of screendance.

Film Submissions:
Who: Open to screendance makers worldwide.

What: All forms of dance are welcome.

When: Submissions are due by Sunday, April 15th, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. The festival will take place in Chicago on Saturday August 1st, 2026 at Facets Film Forum.

Where: Officially selected films will be featured in Chicago, IL, USA. All selected artists will be invited to a social mixer before the showing to “catch up with the creators.”

Categories:
- Super Short (up to 5 min)
- Short (up to 15 min)
- Feature (15+ min)
-My First Screendance Fest

Submission Fees: $30 (Super Short) - $35 (Short) - $40 (Feature) - $25 My First Screendance Fest - $20 Students (Any Length)

Awards & Prizes

Awards & Prizes:

“Best of the Fest” — $250 cash prize
“Honorable Mention”— $100 cash prize
“My First Screendance" — $50 cash prize
“Top Local Favorite” — four hours of free studio time provided through Dance Avondale

All award winners will be screened in person at the festival at Facets Film Forum

Rules & Terms

Rules & Terms:

The work must be original and created for film or video. (We do not show filmed performances or installations.) Recent works preferred. Student applicants should apply with a .edu email address. If accepted, filmmakers permit Montrose International Screendance Festival and @screendance.chicago (Instagram) to use their photographs and films in any promotional materials associated with the festival and on their website.
The final format must be .MOV or .MP4.

*Before submitting, please remember that this is specifically a festival of dance films. Films must meet these criteria to be considered.

**Dance Avondale is a nonprofit organization. All proceeds support a space that encourages collaboration among people of all backgrounds and art genres, fostering an inclusive environment without overshadowing any artist's voice.
2 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Nejla Yatkin

    I recently had the pleasure of participating in the inaugural Montrose International Screen Festival, Screen Dance Festival with my film Witches Cradle. While I was unable to attend in person from Chicago, my partner was present at the screening and shared his impressions with me.

    Overall, he found it to be a beautifully curated and thoughtfully organized event—particularly impressive given that this was the festival’s very first year. The team created a welcoming environment for screen dance artists and took care in programming a diverse selection of works, which speaks to their strong artistic vision.

    There were a few technical challenges—most notably, the projector was slightly out of focus, and in the middle of the showing, there was a sudden power outage. However, the organizers responded with grace and flexibility, quickly pivoting to continue the screenings on laptops. Of course, viewing dance on a small screen doesn’t carry the same immersive emotional impact as seeing it projected large-scale, but under the circumstances, I appreciated their quick thinking and commitment to the artists’ work being seen.

    My one wish is that the festival could have been more widely advertised, as greater community outreach would likely have drawn more audience members to experience this rich tapestry of international dance films. That said, for a first-year festival, it was a strong start, and I genuinely hope to see it grow and flourish in future editions.

    Thank you to the festival team for including my work and for championing the art of screen dance. I look forward to seeing how the festival evolves in the years to come.

    July 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Dear Nejla,

    Thank you for your thoughtful feedback. We feel proud and honored to have included Witches Cradle in the inaugural Montrose International Screendance Festival. We recognize and regret the technical challenges and appreciate your kind words about how Dawn and I handled them. We are in firm agreement that screen dance deserves to be experienced on a large scale, with the highest technical proficiency.

    Thank you for recognizing the festival’s curation and welcoming atmosphere. It resonates deeply as we work to build something in alignment with access, equity, and excellence for this community. Your note about outreach and expanded publicity has been received. Considering next year's festival, we are already looking for ways to grow our audience and amplify the exceptional work of the artists.

    Thank you again for sharing your artistry with us. We look forward to staying connected with you.

    Warmly, Alia Montijo - Producer and Dawn Schultz - Director

  • Tami Whatcott

    I had the pleasure of attending the inaugural Montrose Film Festival, and I was thoroughly impressed by the level of professionalism and care that went into organizing this event. From the start, the clarity of communication and expectations demonstrated a well-thought-out approach that made participation seamless and enjoyable.

    The festival team, including both the film producer and director, were not only highly organized but also warm and hospitable—creating an inviting atmosphere for filmmakers and attendees alike.

    The selection of works showcased a remarkable range of talent, with films representing diverse perspectives from around the globe. The programming offered an exciting variety that kept audiences engaged and inspired throughout the event.

    It was a genuine pleasure to connect with fellow artists, many of whom had traveled to attend in person. The sense of community and celebration of artistic expression was truly felt.

    For a first-time festival, Montrose has set a high standard, and I’m excited to see how it continues to grow in future editions.

    July 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Dear Tami,

    Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words. It is genuinely affirming to hear that your experience with the inaugural Montrose International Screendance Festival felt both welcoming and well-organized. Creating space for artists to connect, share their work, and feel part of a larger community is central to our mission at the Montrose International Screendance Festival.

    We’re especially glad the range of films and perspectives resonated with you, as curating a diverse and inspiring program motivates the development of this festival.

    Thank you for being part of our very first year. We’re excited to grow and look forward to seeing how the festival, and the connections made through it, continue to evolve.

    Warmly, Alia Montijo - Producer & Dawn Schultz - Director