SDI TO PARTNER WITH ANN ARBOR FILM FESTIVAL IN YEAR SEVEN!

The 7th, Screen Dance International Festival is now open for submissions for its 2025 showcase of national and international dance film shorts.

SDI celebrates narrative-based, animation and experimental dance films showing a close relationship between dance and cinematography. We welcome all genres of movement including contemporary dance, ballet, dance theatre, jazz, tap, animation, experimental and other forms of movement of interest to the filmmaker. Films are selected by an adjudication panel of international, dance film professionals, directors, choreographers and dancers. Each film submitted is reviewed by at least three reviewers.

We are excited to announce our new partnership with the Ann Arbor Film Festival! AAFF is the oldest experimental film festival in the United States, founded in 1963. It draws 6,000-10,000 audience members to its annual festival and online screenings. As part of the AAFF, we look forward to presenting acclaimed dance films, supporting dance film artists, and expanding our audience base.

SDI is a nonprofit organization that uses its platform to support dance filmmakers, cultivate creativity, promote dance arts, and showcase diversity in the making and screening of dance films. SDI strongly believes in using our digital platform and medium to connect cultures, encourage conversations, and provide inspiration to all.

Awards & Prizes

Cash Awards
Directors of selected films receive a payment equivalent to entry fee.
Best International Dance Film Short (selected by jury)
Audience Choice Award (selected by audience surveys)
Benefits to selected filmmakers:
Eligible to receive a cash award.
Eligible to receive an Audience Choice award (selected by audience member ballots)
Free festival pass.
Film and artist will be featured on SDI website and social media platforms.
SDI will provide a “ Screen Dance International Official Selection” Laurel.
SDI will provide a Laurel for each Award winner.
Your film will be archived in SDI’s digital library and promoted on additional platforms with filmmaker's approval.

Rules & Terms

In submitting a dance film to Screen Dance International, all applicants agree to the following terms All dance films must be under 10 minutes in length and have a production date of 2022 or later. Filmmakers must include photographs and photo credits. Applicants must have authorization from the copyright owners for any copyrighted materials used in the dance film, including but not limited to music. Screen Dance International/JMcProductions will not be held responsible for the unauthorized use of any copyrighted material and in submitting a dance film the Applicant agrees to hold SDI/JMcPro harmless for, and against any and all, third party claims. In submitting a dance film, the Applicant agrees that Applicant has received permission to use copyrighted material, and will not hold Screen Dance International/ JMcProductions liable for any fees or expenses incurred from the use of unauthorized, copyrighted material.
16 Reviews
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  • Richard James Allen

    Karen Pearlman and I were delighted to be part of this superbly curated dance film festival with our latest work 'Impossible Image'. Even though we couldn't make it over from Australia, we felt the vibrance of the festival through its exemplary social media presence. Congrats and best wishes to all!

    October 2023
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  • Peter Sparling

    Absolutely lovely this year! Good balance and mix of scales, from intimate portraits to big drone panoramas. We need this in SE Michigan!

    October 2023
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  • Barbara Selinger

    I highly recommend SDI to all film makers! It was a privilege to work with a highly professional staff who were sensitive to all our needs. Many thanks!

    November 2022
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  • Erin Malley

    I had a great experience with Screen Dance International. They worked really hard to have a social media presence, and curated films together that represented a variety of perspectives. I wish that housing help might have been possible to facilitate attending, but aside from that, I thought the communication was great, and I had a lovely time at the event itself.

    September 2022
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  • Rosely Conz

    I could not attend in person, but the marketing and communication were impeccable!

    September 2021
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