It was founded by Leslee Scallon and Michael Trent.

Taking place every year since 1998, the festival is dedicated to representing true independent cinema stipulating that all films entered into the festival competition have no known directors, writers or producers connected to them.

Programmes include a mix of feature-length films, shorts, documentaries and animations.

[1][2][3] In 2022, Dances With Films held its inaugural New York festival, at the Regal Cinemas in Union Square.

[5] Dances With Films alumni include Steven Kane, Mark V. Olsen and Will Scheffer, Dan Harris, John Putch[6] and Mike Flanagan.