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SPECIAL SUBMISSIONS ONLY • Final deadlines have passed. If
you have a deadline waiver or special instructions from the event,
select a Category of Entry to continue.
| Full Length Features |
Looking for the most extraordinary voices on the independent scene, DWF seeks intriguing and compelling films without known actors, writers, directors, or producers.
Feature films should be 40 minutes or longer of any genre.
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| Short Films |
Looking for the most extraordinary voices on the independent scene, DWF seeks intriguing and compelling films without known actors, writers, directors, or producers.
Short films should be 40 minutes or less of any genre.
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| Full Length Documentary |
Looking for the most extraordinary voices on the independent scene, DWF seeks intriguing and compelling films without known actors, writers, directors, or producers.
Documentary feature films should be 40 minutes or longer on any subject.
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| Short Documentary |
Looking for the most extraordinary voices on the independent scene, DWF seeks intriguing and compelling films without known actors, writers, directors, or producers.
Short Documentary films should be 40 minutes or less on any subject.
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| Music Videos |
Looking for the most extraordinary voices on the independent scene, DWF seeks intriguing and compelling films without known actors, writers, directors, or producers.
Music Videos can be of any genre, under 10 minutes. Should follow a plot or story line created around independent musicians or band and/or song.
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| Spotlight Screenings (Alumni Only) |
Alumni are welcome to submit their latest project, no matter who is attached to the film.
With special spotlight screenings, we show the film industry and audiences alike how our filmmakers continue to progress their careers.
Feature & documentary full-length films should be 40 minutes or longer of any genre. Short Subject and documentary films should be 40 minutes or less of any subject. Music videos should not exceed 10 minutes. All should be intriguing and compelling (obviously!).
Spotlight Screenings are not limited in any way - they can be any category, genre or length.
We strive to support our alumni by showcasing our most extraordinary discoveries from the independent scene.
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| Dances With Kidz |
Dances With Kidz, a festival of films made BY kids and made FOR kids, is the newest addition to the DWF family of festivals celebrating filmmakers of all ages.
We are so excited to expand into this direction, celebrating today's media-savvy kids using their hi-tech tools to become filmmakers.
We are thrilled to bring the next generation of exciting young Spielberg's, Lucas' and Scorscese's to show their groundbreaking work at the World Famous Chinese Theatre in Hollywood in this 2-day addition to the main DWF festival.
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| Web Series |
Looking for the most extraordinary voices on the independent scene, DWF seeks intriguing and compelling films without known actors, writers, directors, or producers.
You may submit multiple episodes totaling up to 15 minutes. Please put multiple episodes on the same DVD or online screener. Films must have been completed after January 1st, 2014.
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| Television Pilot |
Looking for the most extraordinary voices on the independent scene, DWF seeks intriguing and compelling films without known actors, writers, directors, or producers.
Television shows must be the pilot episode and must be industry standard in length. Short form television should be 22 - 25 minutes in length, while long form should be 45 -50 minutes. |
MISSION & OBJECTIVE
No Politics. No Stars. No Sh*t.
It has been our slogan since 1998. What has also been with us since the beginning is something we call "The True Life". With all the politics that rule festival decisions worldwide - this statement is as true today as it was back then and will remain the mission statement of Dances With Films.
Discovering tomorrow's talent today!
Please see our website for the complete statement.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
An original on the festival circuit for 18 years and voted one of Moviemaker Magazine's Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals on the planet (and the only one in Los Angeles to make the list), Dances With Films presents over 130 films each year to the LA Filmmaking and Film-going community.
Mission:
Dedicated to giving opportunities to creative talents who may not be considered 'Names', DWF stands out from the crowd with not only the community we've built, but by the success of our alumni and the shared loyalty of DWF relationships.
Success!
Some of our latest - 2011 & 2012 alum Gina Rodriguez just won a Golden Globe for her work on "Jane the Virgin". And our latest alum films are already showing up in theatres - 2014's "The Toy Soldiers" had its nationwide premiere a mere 5 months after being seen at DWF!
HBO’s critically acclaimed and hit series ‘Getting On” and “Big Love” were created by DWF Alums Will Scheffer and Mark Olsen after screening their feature film "Easter" at DWF 2004. 2008 actor alum Jesse Eisenberg was nominated for Best Actor in "The Social Network" for the 2011 Academy Awards. 2010 Audience Award winner "Go For It!" received a nationwide theatrical release through Lionsgate in 2011. Betsy Brandt "Breaking Bad'' & “Parenthood” was seen early on in her career in the Grand Jury Winner of 2005, "Shelf Life." And her co-star in “Breaking Bad” Bryan Cranston premiered his directorial debut with us in 2000! 2010 feature "Cost of a Soul" was seen nationwide at AMC Theatres in conjuction with Relativity Media's Rogue. - Just a few examples of our alumni accomplishments.
What Alums Say:
As Audience Award winner John Mann said after he signed with WME immediately after his screening, "DWF kicked me up to the next level." He recently finished "Magic 8 Ball" for Paramount and "The Nutcracker" for Universal and now has "A Tall Dark and Grimm" in the pipeline with Henry Selick slated to direct. With sponsors CAA & ICM now on board, it seems the whole world is discovering that success isn't always in a name.
Panels:
As you can see, DWF provides great exposure to the decision makers of the film industry. In fact past year's panels and 'conversations with' series rocked it with Zola Mashariki, SVP Fox Searchlight, Steven Wegner EVP Alcon Entertainment, Casting Icon - Debra Zane (Hunger Games, , Melanie Miller, VP Acquisitions Gravitas Ventures, Keyvan Peymani, ICM Partners and many more!
We even have a something for the Kids!
We are pleased to present our latest category 'Dances With Kidz!' for the 2nd year. This program consists of films created for kids and most importantly... BY kids.
The Academy:
We also qualify two short films for Academy Award consideration!
Virgin Produced:
DWF now supplies a series of short films to Virgin Produced who in turn show these short gems on their Virgin America, Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Australia Airlines on a rotating basis!
The Family:
Finally, the community of Dances With Films that has evolved since 1998 is a strong and loyal one. The Festival offers the opportunity for filmmakers to strengthen and expand connections that will endure for years to come.
For more information on all the above statements, please go to www.danceswithfilms.com
ORGANIZERS
Charlise Holmes (Producer); Felicia Lambreton (Theatre Manager); Kerim Duran (Technical Director); Kim Luperi (Social Media); Leslee Scallon (Festival Registrar); Michael Trent; Robert Mellette
GENERAL RULES
Feature films should be over 40 minutes with a maximum of 200 minutes. Short films should be under 40 minutes with a minimum of 1 minute. Music videos should be under 10 minutes. Films must have been completed after January 1st, 2014.
Filmmakers understand that their entry cannot have any known individuals within their given project. No known directors, actors, producers, writers, or monies from known sources (i.e. Imagine or Scott Free Productions). We do not discriminate against 'working' actors & crew. Please email if you have a specific question in regards to a person involved with your film.
Entries must be sent on DVD and/or online digital submission. Please check the individual categories for specifics.
Films cannot be tied to a domestic distribution deal.
Once selected, the filmmaker must have available either a 35mm pristine print, DCP or digital "print" (minimum format is Quicktime) for projection. Failure to produce such print one-week prior to the screening date will result in a liability to DWF in the amount of $500.
At least one representative (producer or director) of each competitive project are required to be part of a Q&A session immediately following their screening(s).
Participants agree that clips from their film and all other material related to their project may be used and/or published in the event program, DWF website and for any promotional purposes which DWF deems appropriate.
No screeners and/or promotional materials will be returned to the filmmaker, unless arranged in advance with the festival office.
If selected, all commercial/private property including all trademark/copyrighted materials shown or recorded on the project is the responsibility of the filmmaker. DWF will NOT take responsibility for any infringement of copywritten materials.
The cost of delivery and pick-up of all materials is the responsibility of the filmmakers.
DWF holds no responsibility for lost or damaged prints. While the utmost care will be taken with regard to prints, it is solely up to the filmmaker to take full responsibility (i.e. insurance).
Rules are subject to change at any time with or without prior notice.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
DancesWithFilms is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes.
The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations.
The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless DancesWithFilms from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.
Feature films should be over 40 minutes with a maximum of 200 minutes. Short films should be under 40 minutes with a minimum of 1 minute. Music videos should be under 10 minutes. Films must have been completed after January 1st, 2013.
Filmmakers understand that their entry cannot have any known individuals within their given project. No known directors, actors, producers, writers, or monies from known sources (i.e. Imagine or Scott Free Productions). We do not discriminate against 'working' actors & crew. Please email if you have a specific question in regards to a person involved with your film.
Entries must be sent on DVD and/or online digital submission. Please check the individual categories for specifics.
Films cannot be tied to a domestic distribution deal with the exception of the Alumni Spotlight Screening Series.
Once selected, the filmmaker must have available either a 35mm pristine print, DCP or digital "print" (minimum format is Quicktime) for projection. Failure to produce such print one-week prior to the screening date will result in a liability to DWF in the amount of $500.
At least one representative (producer or director) of each competitive project are required to be part of a Q&A session immediately following their screening(s).
Participants agree that clips from their film and all other material related to their project may be used and/or published in the event program, DWF website and for any promotional purposes which DWF deems appropriate.
No screeners and/or promotional materials will be returned to the filmmaker.
If selected, all commercial/private property including all trademark/copyrighted materials shown or recorded on the project is the responsibility of the filmmaker. DWF will NOT take responsibility for any infringement of copywritten materials.
The cost of delivery and pick-up of all materials is the responsibility of the filmmakers.
DWF holds no responsibility for lost or damaged prints. While the utmost care will be taken with regard to prints, it is solely up to the filmmaker to take full responsibility (i.e. insurance).
Rules are subject to change at any time with or without prior notice.
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