The kNOwBOX dance organization is dedicated to creating a more equitable and inclusive dance field for all by fostering trans-geographical networking, highlighting diverse and underrepresented voices (e.g. black, indigenous, people of color, and women), creating opportunities for artists, and engaging audiences both on and offline via their programming, including the kNOwBOX dance Film Festival.

In its 4th year as an independent film festival, the mission for the NBFF is to curate dance films that explore an innovative approach to collaboration, mixed media, and interdisciplinary filmmaking. These films are selected based on challenging the possibilities of what dance can look like in video form. The NBFF values experimental, multicultural, multigenre, and technological dance films. The NB team believes experiencing art– and more specifically experiencing art via dance and film– creates opportunities for understanding other perspectives.

In this day and age, it is imperative to address the topic of equality in dance in the digital space as it is both relevant and a pressing issue in the current social and political climate. The digital space is charged with a multitude of positive and negative forces including political and monetary power, media prowess, misinformation, matters of accessibility, collaboration, tools and platforms for artistic creation, sharing, networking, sexism, racism, cultural appropriation, and misrepresentation.

NB finds it important to acknowledge concepts of power, access, inclusion, and race in order to not reinforce some of the same structures of oppression (i.e. the male gaze, objectification of womxn/womyn, ableism, the primitivism of people of color, etc.); thus writing a more equitable future history.

NBFF 2021 Teaser Video: https://youtu.be/LZPlcQ3A33s

Cover image courtesy of kNOwBOX dance Film Festival 2021 "The Kitchen" by Vishwakiran Nambi.

Awards & Prizes

Awards
+ #NBFF Official - all selected films
+ #NBFF AttentionGrabber - audience selected film per screening venue
+ #NBFF Visionary - selection committee voted

PRIZES
+ All films selected for the NBFF 2022 Official Selection will receive a monetary honorarium
+ “Official NBFF” laurel
+ Social Media & Website Feature: promoting filmmaker social media and website links
+ NBFF “#Visionary” guaranteed interview on our Dance Behind the Screen Podcast
+ 2022 NBFF Visionary Award Stipend
+ Complimentary Tickets/Passes (2 per selected filmmaker)

Rules & Terms

+ Meet length guidelines as outlined by category
+ Films submitted will be screened by our NBFF 2022 Jury
+ Films that have been submitted in previous years are eligible to be resubmitted, provided they are eligible according to all of the festival’s current rules.
+ Each entry must include high-resolution film stills/photos with submission (please include photo credits)
+ Each entry must include filmmaker/artist current location
+ Each filmmaker is responsible for holding copyright permission for any elements used in the film.
+ Selected films must provide film in QuickTime format or MP4 (DCP if available)
+ Selected films must provide additional marketing materials upon request
+ All films submitted grant NBFF the right to utilize materials including video and still images for NBFF 2022 and/or future kNOwBOX dance events.
+ My materials can be included in NBFF 2022, future kNOwBOX dance publicity, and included in the kNOwBOX dance permanent digital archive.
+ Submission fee paid

The kNOwBOX dance Summer Short Series (NBSSS)
Selected short films will be screened on @knowboxdance social media accounts for a limited time in early August 2022 and the NBFF 2022 Festival lineup.

By submitting one's film, filmmakers/artists give permission to kNOwBOX dance and the kNOwBOX dance Film Festival (NBFF) the right to utilize materials including video and still images for promotion, events, and educational purposes. The official selection will be included in NBFF 2022, NBFF On Tour, future kNOwBOX dance publicity, and included in the kNOwBOX dance permanent digital archive.

Waivers
We are charging for submission to the festival, in order to cover administrative and technological costs. We are committed to providing a platform for dance work across the globe and though we recognize that for many, the submission cost is a manageable fee, we know that for others this amount or the logistics of paying it might be inhibiting. If you are unable to pay the fee but would like to submit please contact us. Please email knowboxdance@gmail.com with your request for consideration. If you are planning on submitting and are willing to pay more than $30 USD in order to subsidize the costs, allowing us to present more diverse work, please consider making a donation to kNOwBOX dance designated for the film festival.
16 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Minos Papas

    This film festival really goes the extra mile. So much care and thought goes into all their communications and PR. Also so amazing to sceen in the US, Mexico and Korea! CRAZY!! <3 Thank so much kNowBOX team! <3

    February 2022
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  • Olivia Lucchini

    Great festival! The whole team made me feel so welcome and appreciated. I had the best experience. Thank you!

    February 2022
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  • Filomena Rusciano

    Very serious festival and above all careful to enhance the artists proposed.

    January 2022
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  • Andreas Strand Renberg

    Very nice festival organisation with interesting program and positive vibe.

    January 2022
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  • Jessica Liu

    What a warm and wonderful experience with the kNOwBOX dance team! Great organisation and quick and clear communication. Thank you!

    January 2022
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