ABOUT Cinedans 

Cinedans, founded in 2002, is the only organization in the Netherlands dedicated entirely to the dance film, bringing together presentation, development and international distribution of the genre.

The mission of Cinedans is to promote and stimulate the production of films, stage performances and multimedia productions with dance as a central theme, to connect it to wide audience in the Netherlands and abroad. Dance film is a genre that is constantly evolving and Cinedans' ambition is to stimulate and showcase these developments.

Cinedans encourages and provides a platform for dance makers and other artists who contribute to the discourse around dance, film and new media in their own unique way, stretching and enriching the boundaries of the disciplines, and aims to connect them to a wide audience.

To achieve our mission and goals, Cinedans has developed four pillars: Cinedans FEST, Cinedans LAB, Cinedans TOUR and Cinedans WEB.  Cinedans FEST is the core pillar and presents an annual exclusive dance film program at Eye Filmmuseum Amsterdam. Here we present the dance film in all its manifestations and offer insights into the latest developments within the genre. Education and talent development activities are located in Cinedans LAB, with the core values of learning, training and excellence. Cinedans TOUR distributes the dance film in collaboration with numerous national and international partners. The latest branch of Cinedans is Cinedans WEB, an online platform for sharing knowledge, special programming and opening up archives. 

Cinedans FEST

Cinedans FEST is unique in the Netherlands and in the world, celebrating dance film as genre and art form. Cinedans sees the ideal dance film as a true synthesis between the media of dance and cinematography. At Cinedans FEST the emphasis lies on choreographies which are created specifically for the camera and on special film adaptations of existing dance performances.

Cinedans FEST also features a selection of special documentaries and retrospectives. Approximately 60 films from all over the world are screened each year. In addition to the film programme, Cinedans FEST organises readings, debates and workshops for professionals and other interested parties.

In the ever-changing media landscape, creators are increasingly seeking different ways to tell their stories. New media and modern technology have entered the scene bringing new possibilities and insights with new forms being developed such as installations, video clips, interactive projects and more. Cinedans closely follows these movements. In addition to the film programme, the festival presents various forms of crossover projects and media installations that involve movement.

CINEDANS LAB

is the education and talent development department of Cinedans. The LAB engages young makers and new talent with the development of dance film and stimulates research. It also offers practical, productional and artistic advice to young and experienced makers.

Cinedans LAB has developed a series of trajectories. We organise hands-on workshops, labs and (interactive) lectures on script writing, filming dance and editing. We pay special attention to new technological developments such as VR and interactive possibilities. Cinedans LAB also coaches students and professional makers with developing their work.

CINEDANS WEB

Cinedans WEB bridges the gap between the online and offline experience of the festival. During Cinedans FEST, our web editors report on the festival activities. Cinedans WEB features interviews with filmmakers, special insights into the making-of processes, exclusive videos and much more.

CINEDANS TOUR

Cinedans also organises Cinedans TOUR, traveling all over the world to screen selections from its film programme. Workshops and lectures for professionals are often part of the touring programme.