San Francisco Dance Film Festival (SFDFF) is a multi-day international event showcasing the best in dance film from around the world.
For our 2025 season we will celebrate with enhanced in-person programs, building back the much-missed excitement of film on the big screen and live interactions among artists and audiences. We will also offer virtual programming through our streaming partner MarqueeTV along with bonus material for our international community who may not be able to attend in person.
SFDFF has become one of the most respected and influential dance film festivals in the world. A non-profit organization operating year round, SFDFF has the mission of supporting independent artists through screenings, panels, filmmaking workshops, and original film productions that bring together professionals from the communities of dance, filmmaking, and music in unprecedented collaborations.
The festival continues to seek groundbreaking work and welcomes submissions of all dance-based works. All forms of dance are welcome. See the category descriptions for full details.
Unsure about your film's category? No problem! We'll help you find the right fit. If needed, we'll reassign your film to the most appropriate category during the review process.
Filmmaker Benefits:
— Eligibility for filmmaker awards
— Free Festival Pass providing admission to programs and events during the festival
— Industry networking and discovery opportunities. Several of the films screened at SFDFF have gone on to receive distribution offers.
— Opportunities for further exposure via our “Encore Shorts" spotlight series, "On the Road" touring reel and other educational outreach programs
— Inclusion in our permanent digital archive.
— “Official SFDFF Selection” laurel to help promote your film
All films selected for the Festival are eligible for the following awards. Winners will be chosen by independent award jury.
— Best Documentary Feature
— Best Documentary Short
— Best Choreography
— Best Performance
— Best Cinematography
— Best Set/Production Design
— Best Editing
— Best Sound Design
— Best Score
— Best Narrative Film
— Best Screendance Short
Audience Favorite awards, selected by audience survey, will be announced the week following the festival. In addition to receiving the award, winning films may be presented at an encore screening during SFDFF's spring festival.