Say NO to the BOX and yes to the future of DANCE!

The kNOwBOX dance Film Festival (NBFF) is an international platform for dance filmmakers who challenge convention and expand what dance on film can be. Produced by kNOwBOX dance, NBFF operates as a global dance think tank—centering innovation, experimentation, and cultural exchange.

We believe dance on film is a living archive and a catalyst for dialogue and change. NBFF amplifies diverse voices, embraces new technologies, and curates films that blend movement, art, and cinematic language in unexpected ways.

At NBFF, we say NO to the BOX—breaking barriers, rejecting rigid formats, and reimagining how dance is created, presented, and experienced.

Global Live Programming

NBFF presents live, in-person festival events in Texas (USA), Mexico, and South Korea. Each location features a distinct lineup of Official Selections, thoughtfully curated in response to local communities and cultural contexts. Programs vary by venue, creating unique experiences across our international sites. Screenings may be presented in a variety of settings, including galleries, museums, traditional theater spaces, and immersive installation formats.

Official Selection
If selected, your film will be presented at live festival screenings and considered for inclusion in our digital archive and distribution catalog, shared with independent organizations, universities, cinemas, and museums.

Through screenings and interactive programming, NBFF connects artists and audiences worldwide and celebrates dance as a powerful force for expression, connection, and change.

Submission Fees & Waivers
Submission fees support administrative and technological costs. If the fee is a barrier, you may request a waiver here:
https://forms.gle/h9wobQNpieUTiS3b6

NBFF Alumni (2019–2025) qualify for a 50% discount.

If you are able, additional contributions help us increase accessibility and support diverse artists globally:
https://www.knowboxdance.com/support

Awards & Prizes

💰 NBFF First Prize receive a minimum $500 USD artist stipend. All NBFF Official Selections receive a minimum $100 USD artist stipend. Award recipients receive a minimum $200 USD artist stipend in addition to the Official Selection stipend.

Awards & Prizes
Official Selection

All selected films receive NBFF Official Selection status and are presented at live festival events in Texas (USA), South Korea, and Mexico, with distinct lineups curated for each location. Not all films screen at every venue.

Awards

🏆 NBFF First Prize *(Juried)*
Awarded to an outstanding film demonstrating artistic excellence, innovation, and a strong cinematic voice.

🏆 NBFF Outstanding Performance Award *(Juried)*
Honors exceptional embodied performance captured on screen.

🏆 NBFF Outstanding Choreographic Vision *(Juried)*
Recognizes originality and clarity of choreographic concept expressed through film.

🌍 NBFF Digital Audience Award
Selected through online voting by the NBFF global digital community during the festival’s on-demand exhibition period.

Prizes

NBFF First Prize Includes:
* Cash artist stipend (amount varies by year and funding; minimum of $500 USD in addition to the Official Selection stipend)
* Featured Dance Behind the Screen Podcast interview
* Expanded marketing spotlight across NBFF platforms
* Priority consideration for future NBFF touring programs, commissions, or partnerships

Other Awards Include:
* Artist stipend of at least $200 USD, in addition to the Official Selection stipend (as funding allows)
* Recognition and promotion across NBFF website and social media channels

What All Official Selections Receive

* Official NBFF laurel
* Minimum $100 USD artist stipend
* Social media and website feature with filmmaker links
* Complimentary festival passes (2 per selected filmmaker)
* Inclusion in the NBFF Digital Archive & Distribution Catalog, distributed to independent organizations, schools/universities, cinemas, and museums
* Consideration for future NBFF programming and collaborations

Notes
* Award categories and stipend amounts may vary by year and funding.
* Audience voting is conducted exclusively online and is separate from juried awards.

Rules & Terms

Eligibility & Submission

Films must meet the length guidelines outlined in their selected submission category.

All submitted films will be reviewed by the NBFF 2026 Jury.

Films submitted in previous years may be resubmitted, provided they meet all current eligibility requirements.

Works must have been completed between 1950 and 2026.

A submission fee is required for all entries.

Materials Required at Submission

Each submission must include high-resolution film stills/photos (with proper photo credits).

Submissions must include the filmmaker’s or artist’s current location.

Filmmakers are responsible for securing all copyright permissions for music, imagery, text, and any other copyrighted material used in the film.

Exhibition & Technical Requirements

Selected films must be delivered in one of the following formats:
MP4 or MOV
Resolution: 1280×720 or 1920×1080

Selected filmmakers must provide additional marketing or press materials upon request.

Distribution & Rights

All Official Selection films will be included in the NBFF digital archive and distribution catalog following the festival.
This catalog is shared with independent organizations, schools and universities, cinemas, and museums for educational and exhibition purposes.

By submitting a film, filmmakers grant kNOwBOX dance and the kNOwBOX dance Film Festival (NBFF) the non-exclusive right to use submitted materials (including video clips and still images) for festival presentation, promotion, educational use, touring programs, and future kNOwBOX dance marketing or events.

Official Selection films may be included in NBFF 2026, NBFF On Tour, future kNOwBOX dance programs, and the permanent kNOwBOX dance digital archive and catalog.

Prior Distribution

If a submitted film has been widely distributed prior to the festival, or is available online in its entirety for free, it may be excluded from competition categories, though it may still be considered for exhibition or archival inclusion at the discretion of NBFF.
25 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Noelle Kayser

    This whole festival is organized and executed with such care from the entire kNOwBOX team. I can't recommend it highly enough.

    December 2025
    Helpful
  • Gabri Christa

    This is one of the most wonderful, best organized film festivals, (dance or not) I have encountered. All the communication was wonderful from before to after the fact. Getting my film KANKANTRI selected was an honor given they only selected 8 films from 114 submissions from 28 different countries. This way they gave a lot of attention to each film. The films were screened in 3 countries (USA, Mexico and Korea) and on line. The film felt cared for and as an artist that my film mattered and was handled with as much care as we put in making it. I'm impressed. I also really appreciated all the other film selections. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, kNOwBOX dance film festival for getting it and raising the bar.

    November 2024
    Helpful
  • Vincent Bruno

    Truly a wonderful festival ! We were proud to have LIVING ON THE THRESHOLD screen at kNOwBOX dance Film Festival.
    Unfortunately we couldn't attend the festival itself but the communication was excellent.
    We were honoured to have won the Visionary Award.

    February 2023
    Helpful
  • Arias Fernández

    This festival was great. In all terms. Comunication, treat, networking, quality...very good people doing good job! Thank you!

    January 2023
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  • Germán Aguila Gonzalez

    Estamos muy felices con todo el trato que nos dió el festival. Ha sido una selección especial para nosotros, para nuestro trabajo y el contacto y la información ha sido cercana , amable y oportuna.
    Gracias KBFF !!!

    November 2022
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    GRACIAS!!!