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.

For the 23rd INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION SUPER8/16 we are looking for the latest cine film productions shot on formats such as Super 8 or 16mm by film students, artists, avantgardists, amateurs or simply filmmakers, shot or completed within the last two years.

For the 5th INTERNATIONAL FOUND FOOTAGE COMPETITION the 23. dresdner schmalfilmtage in cooperation with Filmverband Sachsen e.V. (Saxony Film Association) are looking for movies that incorporate film heritage (found footage) in their films. Whether including archive material, a new score to existing footage or new images to the original sound – there are no limits to the examination of historical small format material.

Awards & Prizes

23rd INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION SUPER8/16
main prize, audience award, honorable mention

5th INTERNATIONAL FOUND FOOTAGE COMPETITION
main prize, audience award, honorable mention

Rules & Terms

23rd INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION SUPER8/16
We are looking for movies, that have been made on "cine film". So participating films must originally have been shot on film stock of 8mm, super8 or 16mm. They must be less than 20 minutes and not older than 2 years. If possible, analogue projection at our theatre is very much appreciated. The screening copy can also be digital.

5th INTERNATIONAL FOUND FOOTAGE COMPETITION
The films submitted must have been created using or containing archival material, i.e. including archive material, a new score to existing footage or new images to the original sound – there are no limits to the examination of historical small format material.
The runtime limit is 20 minutes.
The films must have been made within the last two years.

GENERAL RULES & TERMS
By submitting your film, you agree that we may use it for promotional purposes (e.g. our festival trailer).
The jury will choose the competition entries that will be shown at the festival. The filmmakers then will be informed and asked to send the screening copies to the festival office. There are special arrangements for filmmakers who come to the festival and bring their copy along – in this case the festival must be contacted beforehand.

SHIPPING
Any shipping costs to the festival are at the expense of the sender. The screening copy is returned with Deutsche Post. The return is paid by the festival. For special arrangements the festival has to be contacted before sending. Film copies which cannot be delivered will not be sent back without request.

DAMAGE
The festival organization cannot be held responsible for damage of the screening copies, unless this is due to negligence of the festival organization. The screening copies are insured from the moment of arrival at the festival until the moment of delivery to the transport company. Shipping is both ways at the risk of the filmmaker. Corresponding laws of the Federal Republic of Germany apply.