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 universe!

What is it about?

This is not a dance contest—it’s a video contest. Our jury evaluates each entry as a complete film. Technique matters, but only as one ingredient in the overall cinematic impact.

Dance-on-film is its own art form. The camera, edit, sound, and setting shape how audiences experience the dance. Our awards honor entries that merge strong performance with strong filmmaking.

• 50 USD cash for Dance category / 50 USD cash for General Excellence category
• 20% OFF from next conference ticket
• Award certificate + Media Kit
• gifts from sponsors – WILL BE UPDATED

Important dates

FEES

Please don’t forget to read all the Terms and conditions below. In case anything isn’t clear or answered, do not hesitate to contact us on alraqsconference@gmail.com

Regular

from the 1st November

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 MENAHT dance styles + the culture of origin.
• 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.
• All submissions must be no older than five (5) years (year off production 2020+)

2. SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

• Submit films via www.alraqsconference.com/submit
• Format: YouTube/Vimeo or a file MP4 or MOV, 1080p minimum
• Submissions must include:
• Film title and synopsis
• Dance category selection
• Credits (director, choreographer, dancers)
• Artist bio
• One high-quality still image
• Non-English submissions must include English subtitles (if applicable).

3. CATEGORY LENGTH GUIDELINES

• Documentary Short: Up to 30 minutes
• Documentary Long: Up to 90 minutes
• All other categories: Suggested maximum of 8 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 10 finalists.
• Final evaluation is conducted by the official festival jury based on each category’s criteria.
• Some entries from all categories will be nominated by the jury to General Excellence categories. You can win several prizes for one entry depending on nominations.
• One entity can submit as many videoclips as they like even within the same Dance category.
• 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

Dance Styles

Specify your category in submission, you will be competing within the category – no matter if you are a solo, duo or group.

• Best Raqs Sharqi: Mastery and authenticity of Oriental dance styles
• Best Vintage: Either inspired by Golden Era dancers or recreations of any historic styles (such as Awalem etc.)
• Best Folkloric: Representation of traditional forms and cultural accuracy.
• Best Fusion: Original blending of more dance styles while maintaining clarity of influences.
• Best Contemporary: From Mahraganat to dancing to Elyanna. Songs and dance that do not qualify into other categories.
• Best Theater: Thematic storytelling, integration of dance with artistic direction. (Can include any styles that do not fit other categories)

General Excellence

You can be nominated for these extra categories by a shortlist jury.

• 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.

Documentary & Film

• 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.
  This categories are open to any style of film – dance film, documentary, the connecting point is relevance to Raqs Sharqi, MENAHT dances and culture.

 Special Awards

• People’s Choice: Determined by audience voting during the online festival from all submissions.
• 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