2026 MDFF Submission period
MARCH 1 - JULY 31, 2026
FESTIVAL TIMELINE AND SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
KEY DATES:
March 1 - July 31, 2026
Submission Period
August, 2026
Adjudication
First week of September, 2026
Official Selection Announcements
Late September 2026
2026 MDFF Screenings
(exact screening dates and location TBD)
October 2026
2026 MDFF On-Demand
Available through MDFF website
• Films must be shot entirely on a mobile device — smartphones or tablets.
• Films shot with limited use (up to 40% of entire film) of drone and go-pro footage will also be accepted.
• Films must be submitted via DOWNLOADABLE LINKS ONLY — Vimeo, Google Drive, WeTransfer or any comparable file sharing platform.
• YouTube or links to social media will not be accepted.
• Filmmakers must have all rights and permissions to music / sound scores.
• Films must be no shorter than 1 minute and no longer than 90 minutes.
• Trailers must be no longer than 1 minute.
• Films must be shot and edited with no less than 720HD format - 1080HD or higher recommended.
• Maximum of 3 submissions per filmmaker.
• If submitting for Student Film Category, please submit through the proper link below with parent / legal guardian if under 18.
• Student Filmmakers must be enrolled in a scholastic or academic program at time of submission.
• Submitting a film does not guarantee screening in the Festival.
• If selected, Audio Descriptions must be provided / created for the film.
The 2026 MDFF Jury will choose the Official Selections for screening.
Selected filmmakers will receive a $200 production stipend courtesy of the Mobile Dance Film Association.