The Snowdance Independent Film Festival is the national and international most respected "new" festival in Germany. It mainly shows productions made with little or no state funding. Furthermore, Snowdance prefers films which are not dominated by the influence of TV stations or major studios. Snowdance sees itself as the main German festival for independent, free-thinking film makers.

Supported by important creatives of the German film scene, Snowdance grows in its first six years to one of the hottest und most passionate indie film festivals in Europe.

Festival Director Thomas "Tom" Bohn realized "Straight Shooter" with Dennis Hopper and parts of the "Tatort" tv-series as a film maker.Snowdances special guests have been the famous national actors Heiner Lauterbach, Til Schweiger, Götz Otto, Nora Tschirner, Axel Milberg, Ursula Karven and many others.

The Snowdance Indpendent Film Festival is powerd and organized by Indie-Stars UG, one of the most established German Independent film productions. So this festival is made by engaged film creatives for engaged film creatives and their audience. Snowdance does not offer any red carpet or any VIP-corner. But it's a meeting and melting point for actors, directors, producers and all sorts of people who are interested in film.
Come and have a look !

Awards & Prizes

Award for the best director of the festival
Award includes prize money of $ 1.000,-

Snowdance Award for the best feature film
Snowdance Award Feature Film includes prize money of $ 1.000,-

Snowdance Award for the best documentary
Snowdance Award Documentary Film prize money is $ 1.000,-

Snowdance Award for the best TV-Series
Price money: $ 500,-

Snowdance Award Short Film Film
Price money: $ 500,-

Rules & Terms

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.
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. SNOWDANCE does not offer discounts or fee waivers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NOTIFICATION
Films selected for SNOWDANCE will be notified no later than December 8, 2018.

13 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Roope Olenius

    We had the honour to have our European Premiere for Kyrsyä – Tuftland at this great festival that really takes care of the filmmakers. The idyllic and beautiful town is all about the film festival for the whole duration of the it and people attend the screenings well. Great parties, networking opportunities and organized program for filmmakers everyday. Would definitely visit again.

    February 2018
    Helpful
  • PJ Marcellino

    After 30+ festivals for my last 2 films, Snowdance is, hands-down, one of the best small festivals I have been to. It starts with the location.

    Landsberg is a small medieval town outside of Munich, which is completely taken over by the event - from their branding in banners, to the Snowdance-mobiles, to film-inspired shop windows everywhere. It continues with the warm Bavarian welcome - the good food, the good beer, and the friendly folks. And we can't forget the parties. Many. many parties - the places where your acquaintances become friends.

    The organization and communication are on point - everything is clear, precise, on schedule. There are parties galore (undoubtedly one of the funnest parts of Snowdance) although I wish there were more formal industry networking opportunities during the core weekend.

    The festival could probably be stronger if it lasted 4 days intead of 1 week - Thursday to Sunday could be enough for 2 days of industry events and 4 days of screenings (and at least 4 parties)

    That said, whatever they are doing is working well for them!

    I'd recommend this festival to independent filmmakers all over, and if you are in Europe, I would recommend you attend. It's one of those festivals worth travelling for (if you are in Europe - if you are in North America, you may want to consider the cost vs benefit, since it's a fairly small operation). One thing for sure: it's a fun audience-driven festival!

    February 2018
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  • Joaquin Braga

    Great festival and really good communication. I hope be able to assist next time and thank you very much for been selected and be part of your festival, I really hope you enjoy my film. Best regards!

    February 2018
    Helpful
  • Raffaele Salvaggiola

    Snowdance is all the best that an independent filmmaker can hope for: hospitality, passion and expertise of the organization and the public

    February 2018
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  • Arnstedt Andreas

    What I really like about this festival is the familiar atmospere, the great choice of films and always very interesting talks about independant film making. Not to forget the good parties! The team is always helpful and makes you feel really welcomed.

    April 2017
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