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Dana Film Festival

Festival overview

About Dana Film Festival

Physical film festival with submission categories including Documentary Feature and Feature Fiction.

DANA is a festival dedicated to the art of storytelling — where every frame carries meaning and every story deserves to be seen. Raw.

Real. Reel.

In its landmark inaugural edition, DANA Film Festival 2027 brings together filmmakers, artists, and cinema lovers for a vibrant multi-city celebration of film. From feature films and documentaries to short films and experimental works, DANA welcomes stories rooted in humanity, culture, and creative vision.

Whether you are a first-time filmmaker or an established director, DANA is your stage. Share your story.

Lights. Camera.

DANA — where cinema comes alive.

Schedule

Important Dates

Call for Entries Opens
Aug 15, 2026
Final Submission Deadline
Feb 24, 2027
Notification Date
Feb 26, 2027
Festival Starts
Mar 19, 2027
Festival Ends
Mar 23, 2027
Eligibility

Rules & Eligibility

General Rules+

  1. Eligibility Films of all nationalities and languages are welcome to submit. Films must have been completed after January 1, 2023. Works in progress (rough cuts) are not accepted. Submissions must be a finished film.

  2. Submission Requirements All non-English films must include English subtitles. Submissions must be made through External submission platform only. Films previously screened at DANA Film Festival are not eligible for resubmission.

  3. Categories Feature Film (60 minutes or more) Short Film (under 40 minutes) Documentary (any length) Experimental / Animation (any length)

  4. Content Guidelines All submitted content must comply with UAE media laws and cultural standards. Films containing explicit content, hate speech, or content violating UAE regulations will be disqualified without refund.

  5. Selection Process All submissions are reviewed by DANA's programming committee. Selection decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into regarding programming choices.

  6. Screening Rights By submitting, filmmakers grant DANA Film Festival the non-exclusive right to screen their film during the festival period. DANA does not acquire any distribution rights.

  7. Fees Submission fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.

  8. Selected filmmakers are expected to confirm participation within 7 days of notification.

  9. Filmmaker Responsibilities Selected filmmakers are responsible for providing a final screener file, press kit, and film stills upon request. DANA reserves the right to use provided materials for promotional purposes.

  10. Agreement By submitting, the entrant confirms they hold all necessary ri

Current Categories, Deadlines & Fees

Category

Documentary Feature

Documentary Features from Around the World Feature-length documentaries exploring compelling real-life stories, cultures, events, and global issues. Benefits: Automatically eligible for: Best Documentary Best Director Best Editing Best Social Impact Film Audience Choice Award Requirements: Runtime: 45+ minutes Formats: Online screeners in all formats Scope: All subjects, all languages, all countries and territories worldwide

Current FeeUSD 81.00Early
RuntimeMaximum runtime: 150 minutes
Category

Feature Fiction

Feature Films by Directors from All Continents Feature-length narrative films celebrating exceptional storytelling, artistic vision, and cinematic excellence from around the world. Benefits: Automatically eligible for: Best Feature Film Best Director Best Screenplay Best Cinematography Best Editing Audience Choice Award THE DANA Grand Prix Requirements: Runtime: 45+ minutes Formats: Online screeners in all formats Scope: All genres, all languages, all countries and territories worldwide

Current FeeUSD 81.00Early
RuntimeMaximum runtime: 150 minutes
Category

Short Fiction

Short Films by Directors from All Continents Outstanding short-form narrative films showcasing creativity, innovation, and impactful storytelling. Benefits: Automatically eligible for: Best Short Film Best Director Best Screenplay Best Cinematography Audience Choice Award Requirements: Runtime: Up to 45 minutes Formats: Online screeners in all formats Scope: All genres, all languages, all countries and territories worldwide

Current FeeUSD 35.00Early
RuntimeMaximum runtime: 45 minutes
Category

Dana Arabic Panaroma

Showcasing the best of Arab cinema Benefits: Automatically eligible for Best Arab Film and THE DANA Grand Prix. Requirements: Open to filmmakers from Arab world (MENA region + diaspora) Runtime: Up to 180 minutes (Feature + Short) Formats: Online screeners (ALL FORMATS) Scope: ALL GENRES, ALL LANGUAGES from Arab filmmakers worldwide

Current FeeUSD 81.00Early
RuntimeMaximum runtime: 150 minutes
Category

Documentary Short

Short Documentary Films from Around the World Short-form documentaries presenting unique perspectives, investigative stories, and inspiring human experiences. Benefits: Automatically eligible for: Best Documentary Best Editing Best Social Impact Film Audience Choice Award Requirements: Runtime: Up to 45 minutes Formats: Online screeners in all formats Scope: All subjects, all languages, all countries and territories worldwide

Current FeeUSD 35.00Early
Category

Animation

Animated Films from Around the World Celebrating artistic excellence in animation across all styles and techniques. Benefits: Automatically eligible for: Best Animation Film Best Director Audience Choice Award Requirements: Runtime: Any length Formats: Online screeners in all formats Scope: 2D, 3D, Stop Motion, CGI, Mixed Media, all languages, worldwide

Current FeeUSD 35.00Early
RuntimeMaximum runtime: 120 minutes
Category

First Time Film Maker

A Platform for New Voices Dedicated to directors presenting their debut film project. Benefits: Automatically eligible for: Best First-Time Filmmaker Best Emerging Filmmaker Audience Choice Award Requirements: Runtime: Up to 180 mins Formats: Online screeners in all formats Open to debut directors worldwide All genres and languages accepted

Current FeeUSD 35.00Early
RuntimeMaximum runtime: 180 minutes
Category

Social Impact Film

Stories That Inspire Change Films addressing social, humanitarian, environmental, educational, and cultural issues. Benefits: Automatically eligible for: Best Social Impact Film Audience Choice Award Requirements: Runtime: Any length Formats: Online screeners in all formats All languages, worldwide

Current FeeUSD 35.00Early
RuntimeMaximum runtime: 180 minutes
Category

Mobile Phone Film

Cinema Created Through Mobile Technology Films primarily shot using smartphones or mobile devices. Benefits: Automatically eligible for: Best Mobile Film Audience Choice Award Requirements: Runtime: Up to 30 minutes Formats: Online screeners in all formats Mobile device must be the primary camera All genres, all languages, worldwide

Current FeeUSD 35.00Early
RuntimeMaximum runtime: 30 minutes
Category

Women Filmmakers Competition

Celebrating Women in Cinema Worldwide Recognizing exceptional films directed by women filmmakers from around the globe. Benefits: Automatically eligible for: Best Women Filmmaker Best Director Audience Choice Award Requirements: Runtime: Under 180 minutes Formats: Online screeners in all formats Directed by a woman filmmaker All genres, all languages, worldwide

Current FeeUSD 35.00Early
RuntimeMaximum runtime: 180 minutes
Category

Web Series

Listed fees include USD 35 early-bird, USD 46 regular, USD 60 late, and USD 73 extended.

Current FeeUSD 35.00Early
Category

Music Video

Music Videos from Artists Worldwide Creative visual interpretations of music through cinematic storytelling and artistic expression. Benefits: Automatically eligible for: Best Music Video Audience Choice Award Requirements: Runtime: Up to 30 minutes Formats: Online screeners in all formats Scope: All music genres, all languages, worldwide

Current FeeUSD 35.00Early
RuntimeMaximum runtime: 30 minutes
Category

Horizon Reel (AI )

Dedicated to filmmakers exploring the creative possibilities of artificial intelligence in cinema and presenting films created with the support of AI technologies. Benefits: Automatically eligible for: Horizon Reel Requirements: Runtime: Up to 180 mins Formats: Online screeners in all formats AI Usage: AI may be used in writing, visuals, animation, editing, sound, VFX, or other aspects of production Eligibility: Open to filmmakers and creators worldwide Genres: All genres and languages accepted Disclosure: AI tools and their role in the filmmaking process must be declared upon submission

Current FeeUSD 35.00Early
RuntimeMaximum runtime: 180 minutes
Category

Student Film

Student Films from Educational Institutions Worldwide Dedicated to emerging filmmakers currently enrolled in accredited educational institutions. Benefits: Automatically eligible for: Best Student Film Best Emerging Filmmaker Audience Choice Award Requirements: Runtime: up to 60 minutes Formats: Online screeners in all formats Student verification may be requested Scope: All genres, all languages, worldwide

Current FeeUSD 27.00Early
RuntimeMaximum runtime: 180 minutes