After the fabulous 25th birthday party of Dresdner Schmalfilmtage, you can visit us again in from March 20th to 23rd, 2025. Stay tuned for more information and keep an eye on the submission deadlines.

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

26th INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION SUPER8/16
main prize, audience award, honorable mention

8th 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.

26th 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.

8th 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.

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.
12 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Gustave de Pavant


    Perfect programming for me! I was really very pleasantly surprised, I saw films there that I would never have been able to see elsewhere and which were exceptional. I would definitely go back next year.

    August 2024
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  • Vincent GUILBERT

    It is a real honor to have "We’ll go down the abyss in silence" selected to the 25th edition of the Dresdner Schmalfilmtage, one of the last film festivals truly about analog cinema, and such a wonderful surprise to win the International jury award.

    April 2024
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  • Julie Mayhew

    It was a real honour to have THE GOOD FIGHT screen as part of this festival's international competition. Such a passionate team of analogue afficianados. I had a brilliant night meeting some brilliant people. Thank you!

    March 2024
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  • Natalie Spencer

    Dresdner Schmalfilmtage are a highly inspiring team. I was delighted to be able to spend the week in their company and over the moon when I was notified about the selection for such an industry-esteemed festival. The programme on offer was one of the best I've ever experienced - both in terms of the curators who are active internationally within some of the most impressive labs, festivals, collectives etc in the world. The workshops were fantastic. I left feeling inspired, feeling I'd made some great connections and look forward to returning, even simply as a festival goer, in the future!

    March 2024
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  • Wheeler Winston Dixon

    Excellent festival! I work in HD video, but use found footage materials from the 1890s to the present in my work. The festival ran my film SLIP STREAM, and the entire experience from beginning to end was absolutely first rate. Highly recommended.

    March 2024
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