The Snowdance Independent Film Festival is the most nationally and internationally acclaimed “indie” festival in Germany. It mainly shows productions that have been made with little or no state funding. In addition, Snowdance favors films that are not dominated by the influence of television stations or major studios. Snowdance sees itself as the most important German festival for independent, free-thinking filmmakers.

Based in Essen, a major city in the Ruhr region, Snowdance serves a catchment area of over 5 million people.

Supported by key creatives in the German film scene, Snowdance has grown in its first fourteen years to become one of the hottest and most passionate indie film festivals in Europe.

The festival traditionally shows its films not only in cinemas, but also in other large venues. Such as churches, color halls and regular theaters. In this way, Snowdance achieves the eventization of film viewing that is necessary in these times.

The Snowdance Independent Film Festival is made by committed filmmakers for committed filmmakers and their audience. Snowdance offers neither a red carpet nor a VIP corner. But it is a meeting and melting point for actors, directors, producers and all kinds of people who are interested in film.

Come and have a look!

Awards & Prizes

Snowdance Award for the best feature film
Price money : 1.000,- Euro

Snowdance Award for the best documentary
Price money : 1.000,- Euro

Snowdance Award for the best direction

Snowdance Award for the best Short Film
Price money: 500,- Euro

Snowdance Award for the best young director (less than 30)
Price money: 500,- Euro

„Vision Award" for the best corporate film (external tender)

Rules & Terms

1. We do NOT offer any DISCOUNTS or FEE WAIVERS. We kindly ask for your understanding that we will not respond to any inquiries in this regard.

2. SUBMISSIONS
When submitting to SNOWDANCE you are agreeing to screen the submitted film during the dates of the festival. SNOWDANCE will not pay any screening fees for presentation of the film during the festival.

3. ENTRY REGULATIONS
SNOWDANCE is a competitive showcase for domestic and international feature films and documentaries. SNOWDANCE reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any project submitted. Only works completed in the last two years are eligible for selection.
We only accept online-Screeners (FilmFreeway). When you send DVDs, BluRays or any other material before being invited, SNOWDANCE will not judge it and will not send it back. SNOWDANCE does not accept additional e-mail informations about your film.

4. FILM/VIDEO ENTRIES
All non-english language entries must have English subtitles. Works in progress will not be judged. From SNOWDANCE selected screening material will be returned, press and any application materials will NOT be returned . All features and documentaries submitted must be available in BluRay or DCP for festival presentation.

5. COMPETITION
The SNOWDANCE Film Festival is a competitive event and unless notified otherwise, all films officially selected are eligible for competition. All films are nominated and voted upon by an impartial jury of filmmakers, industry professionals, festival programmers and film aficionados.

6. PRESS MATERIALS
If selected, SNOWDANCE will require an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) to include high-resolution production stills, key art, bio and filmography of the director, production notes and full cast and crew credits.

7. LIABILITY
Although every possible care will be taken with tapes, films, drives and files while in our possession, we cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage. Do not send original or master prints, tapes, files or drives. Please keep SNOWDANCE notified of any address/phone number changes.

8. SHIPPING
The cost of shipping all entries and films to the festival must be paid by the entrant. SNOWDANCE will resent the prints of the shortlist back to the filmmaker. SNOWDANCE will not be responsible for expedited or overnight shipping charges to other organizations. Also, SNOWDANCE cannot guarantee shipment of prints to other festivals during the days of the festival. All international entries must be sent 'free domicile' to the SNOWDANCE office with all transportation charges, duties, and taxes prepaid by the shipper.

9. REPRODUCTION AGREEMENT
Submission of an entry gives SNOWDANCE permission to have excerpts of accepted work, including film trailers, shown in all promotional activities realted to the festival.

10.NOTIFICATION
Films selected for SNOWDANCE will be notified no later than December 12, 2025.

87 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Walter Schmuck

    Überall liebe Leute, interessante Auswahl von Filmen und ebensolche Locations. Ich habe viele Filmemacher aus der ganzen Welt getroffen und gute Gespräche gehabt. Es war mir eine Freude, meinen Film hier zeigen zu können. Vielen Dank für die Gastfreundschaft!

    March 2026
    Helpful
  • Lorenzo Cioglia

    I had a great experience at the Snowdance Film Festival. The organization was excellent, the networking opportunities were very good, and the overall quality of the films was high. I’m very happy to have participated.

    February 2026
    Helpful
  • Sebastian Pereanu

    From the very first moment we were nominated, communication with the festival team was smooth and professional. Every detail — from technical delivery of the film to screening information and scheduling — was handled quickly and with genuine kindness. We felt supported at every step.

    What impressed me most was the atmosphere. Snowdance is not just a place where films are screened; it is a real community of people who truly love cinema. The festival clearly cares about giving auteur films the chance to be seen on a big screen and to meet their audience. After the screening we received thoughtful feedback, encouragement, and surprisingly deep interpretations from viewers, which meant a lot to us as filmmakers.

    The informal meetings, breakfasts, and social gatherings created real opportunities to connect with other filmmakers. We spoke openly about the long and difficult process of making a film — how something that begins as a fragile idea on a page eventually reaches a cinema screen. It was reassuring to meet others going through the same struggles and the same hopes.

    Winning Best Feature was an unforgettable moment for our team, but just as meaningful was the second screening on the final day.

    We left the festival with confidence, motivation, and the feeling that our work had been seen and appreciated. If you are a filmmaker looking for a festival that genuinely values films, provides visibility, and creates real human connections, Snowdance is absolutely the place to be.

    February 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks a lot, Sebastian. It was an honor to have you, your team and your excellent film.
    The Snowdance Team

  • Loren Hayes

    We had travel issues that prevented our attendance, but this is absolutely a WONDERFUL fest, and we look forward to submitting our next piece in hopes of celebrating with the entire team in Essen. Love love love SNOWDANCE!!

    February 2025
    Helpful
  • Joshua Cremer

    An amazing, authentic and serious festival.
    It creates the perfect space in Essen to exchange and meet with different filmmakers from all over the world. The communication is flawless and it was a great honor for us that our film could be shown in front of a wide audience and that there was a Q&A interview afterwards. The Snowdance Festival offers everything you could hope for from a filmfestival. Thank you . we will definitely submit our next film again.

    Best regards,
    Josh and team

    February 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks a lot, Josh!