Circus Dance Festival

International short films from a circus perspective

What does the circus look like through the camera lens and on the screen?

For the Circus & Film programme, we are seeking short films that explore new artistic forms at the intersection of contemporary circus and film. A selection of international works will be presented as a short film programme at the CircusDanceFestival.

Together with the Circus & Film Network, which we founded, we aim to raise the profile of circus films and promote film as an independent artistic medium within contemporary circus. The network currently comprises nine festival partners from Poland, the UK, Italy, Croatia, Denmark and Germany. Following its premiere at the CircusDanceFestival, the short film programme will go on tour to the partner festivals.

The deadline for applications is Sunday October 25th 2026.

Open Call | Circus & Film

New works for the 360° Stage & Artist Summit

The 360° Stage is one of the CircusDanceFestival’s distinctive formats: here we present short pieces from the worlds of circus and dance, developed for an audience surrounding the stage. The format draws on the circle as a defining spatial form of the circus and applies it to contemporary works that bridge the gap between circus and dance.

Over three days, we will present a total of twelve international pieces. One day is – as every year – dedicated to a country focus featuring artists based there. This year’s focus country will be announced shortly.

The selected artists are also invited to take part in the three-day 360° Artist Summit – offering opportunities for exchange, workshops, discussions and performances.

Submissions can be made until October 25th 2026.

Open Call | 360

CircusDanceFestival 2026 has come to an end, and we look back with deep gratitude on an unforgettable festival weekend. Inspiring performances, meaningful connections, and our shared passion for dance and circus made this edition truly special.

Our heartfelt thanks go to all the artists, volunteers, partners, crew members, and everyone who joined us. Your enthusiasm, dedication, and energy made CircusDanceFestival 2026 possible.

You can now relive some of the festival's most memorable moments in our photo recap.

We're now taking a short summer break to recharge and look forward to seeing you again soon. Wishing you all a wonderful summer!

The festival is over, but its impact lives on.
ARTE Journal has dedicated a special report to this year’s festival edition:
ARTE Journal: CircusDanceFestival up close

Numerous journalistic articles about the festival can be found on Theater der Zeit, as well as in the CDF’s own writing workshop:

TDZ: Articles

TDZ: Cultural Journalism Lab

CDF: Blog