Open Call: InShadow – Lisbon ScreenDance Festival

Submissions for the 2026 edition of the Lisbon ScreenDance Festival are now open in the categories of videodance, documentary, animation and photography.

The 18th edition of InShadow – Lisbon ScreenDance Festival will take place from 15 November to 15 December 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. Submissions are open in the categories Videodance, Dance Documentary, Dance Animation, and Photography, with a strong focus on the dialogue between cinema and dance.

InShadow fosters encounters between video, film and dance performance, encouraging reflection on cine-choreographic thinking. The festival explores emerging artistic approaches and innovative creative processes, supporting exchange between cultures and disciplines. At its core lies an interest in shared practices, where thought meets action, and creativity drives innovation.

INTERNATIONAL VIDEO/FILM COMPETITIONS

Videodance

Works are selected based on the balance between creativity, theme, narrative and experimentation, as well as the quality of image, sound and editing. The central focus must be the relationship between choreography, camera and sound. Each competition session runs approximately 80–90 minutes.

Preferred maximum duration: 20 minutes.

Dance Documentary

Films may explore the life or work of choreographers and dance companies, aspects of dance history, creative processes, or artistic practices connected to the body, performance and technology. Full choreography recordings will not be accepted.

Preferred maximum duration: 90 minutes.

Dance Animation

This category addresses children and young adolescents aged 5–15. Submissions must clearly indicate the intended age group; the festival reserves the right not to select a film due to age considerations. Selection is based on theme, narrative, animation technique, and the quality of sound and editing. Particular attention is given to works exploring the relationship between dance or body movement — including objects — and technology. Each competition session runs approximately 30 minutes.

Preferred maximum duration: 7 minutes.


IMPOSSIBLE SHADOWS – PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST

The photography challenge invites participants to capture the “Impossible Shadow”. Submissions should explore new perspectives and working methods related to shadow, movement and the body. This section is open to emerging photographers of all ages. Participants must be the authors of the submitted works and hold full rights to the images.