November 30, 2025 Regular Deadline
January 15, 2026 Notification Date
March 12 – 15, 2026 Event Date

In 2025 Super 8 turned 60 years old and we did celebrate that. In 2026 we are going on with the 27th dresdner schmalfilmtage. Stay tuned for more information and keep an eye on the submission deadlines.

Since its first edition in 1997, the dresdner schmalfilmtage have developed into a recognised forum for the German and international narrow film scene. The unconventional film festival focuses on documentary, artistic or fictional film productions that have one thing in common: They were originally realised on motion picture cine film.

Whether in the film formats 8mm (in all its variations), 9,5mm or 16mm – narrow film was of particular importance for the development of media in the 20th century. Similar to photography, it achieved an extraordinary social spread and popularity as well as an important position in the field of artistic film. The inexpensive material guarantees independent film production, while at the same time narrow film is largely spared a flood of arbitrary images, as in the video sector.

Regardless of the competition, the dresdner schmalfilmtage expressly invites everyone who is professionally or privately, artistically or film-scientifically involved with the medium to present the results of their work with us.

Awards & Prizes
27th INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION SUPER8/16
main prize, audience award, honorable mention

9th INTERNATIONAL FOUND FOOTAGE COMPETITION
main prize, audience award, honorable mention
The INTERNATIONAL FOUND FOOTAGE COMPETITION was created and the prizes for it are donated by Filmverband Sachsen e.V. (representation of the interests of filmmakers in the German Free State of Saxony).

Rules & Terms
As the submission of a film implies the acceptance of these Rules & Terms (by you and your authorised representatives), please read this document carefully.

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION SUPER8/16
We are looking for movies, that have been shot on narrow gauge or "cine film" such as 8mm, Super 8 or 16mm. They must be less than 20 minutes and not older than 2 years.

INTERNATIONAL FOUND FOOTAGE COMPETITION
The films submitted must have been created using or containing archival material.
This can be film as well as sound material – there are no limits to the examination of historical narrow gauge material.


FORMATS
If possible, analogue projection at our theatre is very much appreciated, but the screening copy can also be digital.

RUNTIME
Runtime limit is 20 minutes.

PRODUCTION
Films must have been made within the last two years.

PROMOTION
With your submission you agree that we may use film clips, music or images from the submission for promotional purposes.

TRANSPORT
The costs for sending the screening copy are borne by the filmmaker. The festival bears the costs for returning the film as a parcel with Deutsche Post. Special return requests must be arranged with the festival before the film is sent.
Films that cannot be delivered by Deutsche Post will only be forwarded by the organiser upon request.

INSURANCE
The films are insured by the dresdner schmalfilmtage insurance from the time they are handed over by the transport company until they are returned to it. The transport to and from the festival by the transport company is at the risk of the sender. The relevant laws of the Federal Republic of Germany apply.