Sadler's Wells The Future Remembers: Three £6,000 Dance Film Commissions by November 22
Sadler's Wells invites global dance artists aged 18+ to propose a Dance on Screen film of up to four minutes. Three £6,000 commissions; deadline November 22, 2026.
Three commissions for dance made for the screen
Sadler’s Wells Digital Stage has launched The Future Remembers, an open call for three original short dance films. Each commission is worth £6,000 and comes with production support from the organization's team. Applications close at midnight on November 22, 2026, and the resulting films are due to premiere during the Sadler's Wells Dance Digital Film Festival in November 2027.
Who can apply?
Dance artists of any style aged 18 or above can apply individually or as a collective or company. The call explicitly welcomes international participants, and films may be shot anywhere in the world. This is a creative commissioning call for new work, not merely an entry to the Dance Digital Film Festival's separate film-selection programme.
Work specifications and creative direction
Selected projects should become Dance on Screen films no longer than four minutes, conceived specifically for viewing on a screen. Proposals should respond to the theme of what the future will remember—legacy, responsibility, memory and the consequences of present-day choices. Applicants need to outline their artistic idea and demonstrate how dance and filmmaking will work together.
Understanding the £6,000 commission
The £6,000 is the full total for each commission, regardless of how many people are in the creative team. External filmmakers, equipment hire and other project costs must be covered within that amount. Sadler’s Wells can provide producing and some editing assistance depending on availability. Successful applicants start developing their commissions in January 2027, following December interviews.
About Sadler's Wells and applying
Sadler’s Wells is a major London dance organisation operating stages and a Digital Stage platform for dance films, documentaries and performance video. Its official site links the application form and previous commissioned films, allowing prospective artists to evaluate the programme before applying. Verified October 22, 2026.