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
September 23 and 24, 2026
2026 MDFF Screenings
Gibney Dance: Agnes Varis Performing Arts Center
280 Broadway New York, NY
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.