NewGrounds: dance film collection is hosted and organized by Moving Current Dance Collective. Our film screenings event is in its fourth year and held in conjunction with Moving Current’s annual NewGrounds Festival. NewGrounds celebrates twenty one years of multi-tiered programming that supports dance creation for all levels, an adjudicated live performance, annual dance film showcase and inclusive arts education with a significant focus on community outreach.

National and international short film submissions are welcomed. Our juror panel includes filmmakers, choreographers and performing artists. Selected films will be presented in both in-person and online programs.

This year’s NewGrounds Festival is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts, and with the support of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.

Awards & Prizes

All selected films will receive an official laurel and are eligible for the following awards:
Best Dance Film under 5 minutes
Best Dance Film under 15 minutes
Official selections

Rules & Terms

• All submitted work should be no more than 15 minutes in length and submitted via FilmFreeway.
• Films must be an original work created specifically for camera. If your film is less than 50% dance or choreographed human movement, it may not qualify as a dance for camera film.
• Recordings of live performances are not eligible.
• Dance for camera films of any style will be considered.
• By submitting your film, you grant MCDC the rights to use your
photography and trailer in any promotional materials, including on their
website, and all social media sites.
• Stills/photos for all selected films are required. Trailers for films are highly recommended.
• By submitting your film, you grant MCDC the rights to use your film in in-person and virtual events associated with NewGrounds: Dance Film Collection.
• Applicants must have all rights and permissions to present their work and
have paid full all license fees, clearance fees, and all other obligations arising from or associated with the exhibition of the Film.
• The Film must not constitute or include a defamation of any person or entity.
• This is a community event. As such, we reserve the right to refuse films that that feature nudity, extreme violence or offensive language.
• Submission fees are non-refundable. Unfortunately we can’t offer any waivers of the submission fee.
• All films must have a production date of 2020 or later.
• If applicable, all entries should be in English or with English subtitles.