By Filmmakers, For Filmmakers
Born out of rejection, Slamdance showcases new and emerging independent artists, filmmakers and storytellers. We welcome films in every genre, on any topic from every country around the world. The festival program is selected from 100% blind submissions and we do not disqualify any films based on premiere status or date of completion.
This year, we are accepting films in the following categories:
Narrative Feature
Features by first time feature filmmakers* over 40 minutes in length. We consider and program from all genres and from around the world. All the films are selected from blind submissions. We are looking for filmmakers with new ideas, new ways of looking at the world, or an innovative approach to filmmaking. We are more drawn to an original voice than a high level of production. We will consider work that is not completed by the time of submission, and we consider films regardless of their premiere status.
* Films that are submitted by filmmakers that have made a previous feature will be considered for our Special Screenings.
Shorts
Non-documentary short films, under 40 minutes and from anywhere in the world, are programmed in blocks and beside narrative features. We welcome a wide variety of styles and genres: comedy, drama, horror, experimental, animation, non-narrative, music videos, underground and films that fit into multiple categories or no category at all. Please note that documentary shorts are programmed under their own category.
Documentary Feature
Competition feature-length (over 40 minutes) documentaries directed by first-time documentary filmmakers and of exceptional quality are programmed under our 100% blind submission policy. There are no premiere status or date of completion requirements. Non-fiction films under 40 minutes are considered for our short documentary competition. They will be screened before the feature documentary films. We gladly accept any type of documentary subject matter. Mockumentaries should be submitted to the narrative feature and short competitions.
Documentary Short
Competition short (under 40 minutes) documentaries directed by first-time documentary filmmakers and of exceptional quality are programmed under our 100% blind submission policy. There are no premiere status or date of completion requirements. Non-fiction films over 40 minutes are considered for our feature documentary competition. We gladly accept any type of documentary subject matter. Mockumentaries should be submitted to the narrative feature and short competitions. While no one can tell you what length to make your film, shorter films are considered more programmable due to the logistics of running a festival.
Special Screenings
Every year the Festival shows a Special Screening program comprised of several independent feature films by non-first time filmmakers. This Special Screening program is non-competitive and includes at least one underground program and sometimes films made by Slamdance alumni.
