Since its first edition in 1997, the dresdner schmalfilmtage has developed into a recognised forum for the German and international narrow film scene. The unconventional film festival focuses on documentary, artistic or fictional film productions that have one thing in common: They were originally realised on motion picture cine film.

Whether in the film formats 8mm (in all its variations), 9.5mm or 16mm – narrow film was of particular importance for the development of media in the 20th century. Similar to photography, it achieved an extraordinary social spread and popularity as well as an important position in the field of artistic film. The inexpensive material guarantees independent film production, while at the same time narrow film is largely spared a flood of arbitrary images, as in the video sector.

Regardless of the competition, the dresdner schmalfilmtage expressly invites everyone who is professionally or privately, artistically or film-scientifically involved with the medium to present the results of their work with us.

Awards & Prizes

24th INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION SUPER8/16
main prize, audience award, honorable mention

6th INTERNATIONAL FOUND FOOTAGE COMPETITION
main prize, audience award, honorable mention
The INTERNATIONAL FOUND FOOTAGE COMPETITION was created and the prizes for it are donated by Filmverband Sachsen e.V. (representation of the interests of filmmakers in the German Free State of Saxony).

Rules & Terms

As the submission of a film implies the acceptance of these Rules & Terms (by you and your authorised representatives), please read this document carefully.

24th INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION SUPER8/16
We are looking for movies, that have been shot on narrow gauge or "cine film" such as 8mm, Super 8 or 16mm. They must be less than 20 minutes and not older than 2 years.

6th INTERNATIONAL FOUND FOOTAGE COMPETITION
The films submitted must have been created using or containing archival material.
This can be film as well as sound material – there are no limits to the examination of historical narrow gauge material.


FORMATS
If possible, analogue projection at our theatre is very much appreciated, but the screening copy can also be digital.

ONLINE SCREENING
The dresdner schmalfilmtage are a hybrid festival taking place both in our theatre in Dresden as well as beeing streamed online. We would be delighted, if you would grant us the right to stream your film online with your submission – i.e. live streaming of the competition and online availability one week after the festival.

RUNTIME
Runtime limit is 20 minutes.

PRODUCTION
Films must have been made within the last two years.

PROMOTION
With your submission you agree that we may use film clips, music or images from the submission for promotional purposes.

TRANSPORT
The costs for sending the screening copy are borne by the filmmaker. The festival bears the costs for returning the film as a parcel with Deutsche Post. Special return requests must be arranged with the festival before the film is sent.
Films that cannot be delivered by Deutsche Post will only be forwarded by the organiser upon request.

INSURANCE
The films are insured by the dresdner schmalfilmtage insurance from the time they are handed over by the transport company until they are returned to it. The transport to and from the festival by the transport company is at the risk of the sender. The relevant laws of the Federal Republic of Germany apply.
5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Sandy McLennan

    From invitation to communication to support to programs, clear projections (sprocket and digital) and sound, this is the highest level of festival. It is serious, respectful, friendly and fun. I am very glad to have attended and participated. I give my highest recommendation and thanks to Dresdner Schmalfilmtage

    August 2022
    Helpful
  • Tim Dübbert

    Dresdner Schmalfilmtage was a very fun experience! A lot of great analogue films were shown with many of the filmmakers attending the festival in person. The venue had lots of good food and cold drinks. Thanks to the team for all the friendly communication before and during the festival.

    July 2022
    Helpful
  • Ross McClure

    I love this festival! A true celebration of film and its rich history and culture. Communication was excellent with the team and my short film Dirty Sally came first in their online audience award for the International 8/16mm Short Film Competition. There was even a prize which I was over the moon with. Highly recommended!

    July 2022
    Helpful
  • Penny McCann

    A gem of a festival that honours experimental small gauge film work.

    July 2022
    Helpful
  • Patrick Müller

    The „Dresdner Schmalfilmtage“ are one of the few festivals in the world that celebrate analogue film. Here you can see real rolls of film running through the projectors. I was very happy to have my film INTO THE REALM OF THE NIGHT shown in the international competition this year and even more so to have won the jury prize. That makes me very grateful and happy. I find it remarkable how international the festival is, even curator and filmmaker Mike Rollo from Canada and others were invited to be part of the jury. An unforgettable festival that can be recommended without reservation.

    July 2022
    Helpful