Say NO to the BOX!
The kNOwBOX dance Film Festival (NBFF) is an international platform for dance filmmakers who challenge conventions, explore new ideas, and push the boundaries of what dance on film can be. As a dance think tank, kNOwBOX dance serves as a hub for innovation, creativity, and connection within the dance and arts communities.

We are at the forefront of shaping the future of dance filmmaking—leveraging technology, embracing diverse perspectives, and amplifying the voices of artists from around the world. NBFF fosters a space where movement and cinema intersect, creating unique experiences that captivate audiences and inspire new ways of thinking about dance.

At NBFF, we say NO to the BOX—breaking barriers, reimagining possibilities, and creating opportunities for artists to share their work in meaningful dialogue with one another. We curate films that blend dance, art, and film in unexpected ways, ensuring that each selection sparks conversation and innovation.

Through screenings, interactive programming, and global accessibility, we provide a platform for filmmakers and audiences to connect, collaborate, and celebrate dance as a driver of change. Join us in redefining what’s possible in dance and film!

**If your work is selected as an NBFF Official Selection, your film will be showcased in a variety of in-person screenings, thoughtfully programmed to meet the unique needs of our communities in the United States, South Korea, and Mexico. Each location offers a distinct experience, fostering meaningful connections between artists and audiences across diverse cultural landscapes.**

Please note if we select your film as an Official Selection your film will be screened at live festival events. All films will be considered for our digital archive and catalog that will be distributed to independent organizations, schools/universities, cinemas, and/or museums.

Cover image courtesy of kNOwBOX dance Film Festival 2023 "Condition makes construction_light" by BAKI

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 fill our this form with your request for consideration: https://forms.gle/pfffmoGEkm9xUaP18

Discount Waivers
NBFF Alumni qualify for a 50% discount code to submit work. If your work was an NBFF Official Selection between 2019-2024 you qualify for a discount.

Support
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.
https://www.knowboxdance.com/support

Awards
+ #NBFF Official - all selected films
+ #NBFF AttentionGrabber USA - audience selected film
+ #NBFF AttentionGrabber Korea - audience selected film
+ #NBFF AttentionGrabber Mexico - audience selected film
+ #NBFF Visionary - selection committee voted
+ #NBFF Outstanding Performance Award - selection committee voted

PRIZES
+ All films selected for the NBFF 2025 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
+ 2025 NBFF Visionary Award Honorarium
+ Complimentary Tickets/Passes (2 per selected filmmaker)
+ All films selected for the NBFF 2025 Official Selection will be added to our digital archive and catalog that will be distributed to independent organizations, schools/universities, cinemas, and/or museums.

+ Meet length guidelines as outlined by category
+ Films submitted will be screened by our NBFF 2025 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 1280*720, 1920*1080 / Format: MP4 or MOV
+ 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 2025 and/or future kNOwBOX dance marketing or events.
+ My materials can be included in NBFF 2025, future kNOwBOX dance publicity, and included in the kNOwBOX dance permanent digital archive and catalog that will be distributed to independent organizations, schools/universities, cinemas, and/or museums.
+ Submission fee paid
+ Works created between 1950 and 2025
+ If the submitted work has been distributed to other screening media before the festival is held, or the entire video is being screened online for free, it may be excluded from the competition section.

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 2025, NBFF On Tour, future kNOwBOX dance publicity, and included in the kNOwBOX dance permanent digital archive and catalog that will be distributed to independent organizations, schools/universities, cinemas, and/or museums.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • 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
  • 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
  • Arias Fernández

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

    January 2023
  • 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
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    Response from festival:

    GRACIAS!!!

  • Regina Lissowska-Postaremczak

    Great festival! We were very honored to be part of it, and also thankful for kindness, professionalism and communication with the Team.

    November 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Regina! We were honored to include the Polish Dance Theatre.