RAQS FILM
FESTIVAL “revival”

In some years, Al Raqs will feature both the conference and the film festival, while in others, the focus will stay on the core conference program. Raqs Film Festival was founded by Kamala Almanzar and Roxxanne Shelaby, and has been a space for artistic voices and cultural storytelling. We are happy and honoured to continue this tradition under Al Raqs family!

Join us in January 2026 for special edition of Al Raqs conference featuring Film Festival! Info coming soon.

JURY 2026

Roxxane Shelaby

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

RAQS FILM FESTIVAL – GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR APPLICANTS

1. ELIGIBILITY

• Open to filmmakers and dance artists worldwide.
• Submissions must feature dance, focusing on Raqs Sharqi, folklore, fusion, or related MENA dance styles.
• Applicants must be 18+ years old. Minors may apply with legal guardian consent.
• Entrants must be the creator or co-creator of the film.
• Films may be resubmitted if they were entered in previous years and did not win.
• Previously winning films cannot be submitted again.
• All submissions must be no older than five (5) years.

2. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

• Submit films via www.alraqsconference.com.
• Format: MP4 or MOV, 1080p minimum.
• Submissions must include:
• Film title and synopsis
• Category selection
• Credits (director, choreographer, dancers)
• Artist bio
• One high-quality still image
• Non-English submissions must include English subtitles.

3. CATEGORY LENGTH GUIDELINES

• Documentary Short: Up to 30 minutes
• Documentary Long: Up to 90 minutes
• All other categories: Suggested maximum of 15 minutes

4. DEADLINES & FEES

• Entry fees apply; see this page for dates and pricing.
• Fees are non-refundable.

5. SELECTION PROCESS

• If more than 10 entries are received in any category, a shortlist jury will first review and select finalists.
• Final evaluation is conducted by the official festival jury based on each category’s criteria.
• The festival reserves the right to reassign a film to a more fitting category or disqualify submissions that conflict with our hate-free policy.

6. CATEGORIES & EVALUATION CRITERIA

General Excellence

• Best Picture: Overall impact, visual and thematic coherence.
• Best Story: Narrative clarity, creativity, and emotional resonance.
• Best Cinematography: Visual composition, use of camera, lighting.
• Best Editing: Rhythm, transitions, technical flow.
• Best Use of AI: Original and effective integration of AI into the artistic vision.

Dance Styles

• Best Raqs Sharqi: Mastery and authenticity of Oryantal, Vintage, or AmCab styles.
• Best Folkloric: Representation of traditional forms and cultural accuracy.
• Best Fusion: Original blending of styles while maintaining clarity of influences.
• Best Artistic Production / Dance Theater: Thematic storytelling, integration of dance with artistic direction.
• Best Live Performance: Energy, audience connection, and live staging.
• Best Ensemble: Coordination, group dynamics, and unity in performance.

📽️ Documentary

• Best Documentary Short (≤30 mins): Clarity of focus, storytelling, and insight into dance.
• Best Documentary Long (≤90 mins): Depth of research, narrative structure, and cultural relevance.

🏆 Special Awards

• People’s Choice: Determined by audience voting during the online festival from all submissions.
• Producer’s Choice: Selected by the festival director for innovation or standout concept.
• Honorable mention: In addition to selecting a winner in each category, the jury will also award one Honorable Mention per category.

7. AWARDS

• Prizes will be awarded in each category.
• Details and jury lineup will be shared via the festival website and social media.

8. RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

• Submission grants the festival screening rights and promotional use of excerpts/stills.
• Artists retain full copyright of their work.

9. CONTENT POLICY

• All entries must align with our values of inclusivity and respectful expression.
• Hate speech or discriminatory content will result in disqualification.

10. CONTACT

• Email: alraqsconference@gmail.com