Pittsburgh International Dance Film Festival
(formerly the Constructed Sight Dance Film Festival)
online + in person
March 27-April 6, 2025
Produced by Shana Simmons Dance (SSD)

The Pittsburgh International Dance Film Festival (PIDFF) is pleased to present the fifth annual premiere dance film festival in Pittsburgh, PA. This festival features a wide range of dance films from different countries and honors a "Constructed Sight" category which highlights public works of art or focuses films on a site specific location.

This online dance film festival includes a live Opening Night Event in Pittsburgh where audiences can join through live streaming to see Panelist Picks and meet some of the artists. PIDFF also includes an online Meet & Greet Event for participating filmmakers/artists and an online Dance Film Workshop open to the public!

One artist in 2022 stated, "I've never experienced a dance film festival with such a sense and feeling of community before."

In its first year, SSD received about one hundred international submissions which a panel of 7 members curated to select festival features and the Opening Night Constructed Sight film event. Constructed Sight was a platform created by Shana Simmons, Jamie Erin Murphy, and Brady Sanders to showcase a variety of dance films through entertaining online events. These seasoned choreographers collaborated on generating new films through site specific choreography inspired by public works of art around Pittsburgh.

We consider movement to speak and film to be a lens to see this communication. We value artistic commitment, creative relationship between screen and dance, and thoughtful presentations. We're looking for films that are true to the artists' voice in an effort to curate entertaining compilations of films. We accept and present films of all production values and budget sizes. We are interested in films that incorporate site specific locations as inspiration for the work and pieces that incorporate visual art in some way, but are not limited to these elements.

This festival exists to bring people together across nations with an aim to develop personal relationships and artistic dialogue.

Awards & Prizes

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top voted on film via the Vimeo Online Playlist. Audience members choose their favorites and prize amounts will be based on festival ticket sales.

Rules & Terms

Rules:
-The Constructed Sight Category exists for those film submissions which:
1. Are inspired by, feature, or focus on a public work of visual art.
2. Are created for, inspired by, or utilize a site specific location into dance film. These films are encouraged to utilize the site in unique ways that speak to the concept of the film. Architecture is included as the use of a site specific space for inspiration.

The accepted artists will be featured during the Opening Night Event program and listed as part of the Constructed Sight category. Those not accepted into this category are still considered to be included in the general festival program.

-Films must be under 20 minutes in length.

-Films must have some element of movement or expression through movement. We prioritize screendance films with an emphasis of communicating through dance.

-We accept both vertical and horizontal film orientations.

-Artists must own the rights to their music. Shana Simmons Dance and PIDFF will not assume responsibility for copyright issues.

-All videos must be HD quality. Videos can be filmed by mobile devices.

-Artists may submit up to 3 works for review. Each submission will be charged the $10 fee.

-If you would like detailed jury feedback, please submit a $15 fee along with your category submission fee. You will receive detailed feedback from each panelist regarding their responses to your work.

-Submissions must have film credits to be considered.

**By submitting a film, if accepted to the festival and any scheduled events, you are agreeing to help market through your own networks via social media and/or personal emailing.**
8 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Hanna Kortus

    Great Festival! Super experience and see you net year!

    April 2025
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  • Anna White

    It was wonderful to be included in the Pittsburgh Dance FF. I really appreciated the inclusive communication. The fact that it is online and in person is great. Attending the online artist meet and greet was a real bonus - making connections around the world. The Festival program was interesting and cohesive. THANK YOU.

    April 2024
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  • Stephen Agisilaou

    We had a lovely time being presented by Pittsburg International Dance Film Festival, great communication and this event really shows a lot of love and care to dance.

    April 2024
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  • Rosie Trump

    I really enjoyed being part of the programing for Constructed Sigh Dance Film Festival. Wonderful experience!

    July 2023
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  • Editta Braun

    The team at Constructed Sight Dance Film Festival were fantastic, appreciative and provided great communication. We were thrilled to be a part of it and to show "Luvos migration" the first time in the U.S.A.

    May 2023
    Helpful