Cadence Music Video Festival 2026
The Cadence Music Video Festival is on the hunt for independent directors who possess a distinct vision and a unique voice. We’re not interested in the usual cookie-cutter client work where you settle for the bare minimum. We’re seeking out your most ambitious ideas—those projects where you pushed the boundaries and ventured beyond your comfort zone. Don’t play it safe; we want to showcase videos that embody a clear vision and are executed to their fullest potential.
We are looking for videos at a range of different budgets, so don’t feel discouraged!
📍 Oakland, CA, USA
📅 19 September 2026
⏰ Deadline: 15 July 2026
Our judges will evaluate videos based on the following metrics:
- Cultural relevance of the video.
- Creativity and innovative ideas that push boundaries.
- Excellence in low-budget video production.
- Excellence in high-budget video production.
- Marketability within the music industry.
- The extent to which visuals complement or enhance the song.
Rules:
- To participate in the festival, you must either be the director or producer of the submitted video, or you must have written consent if submitting on behalf of the director.
- For initial submissions, providing a YouTube link is acceptable. However, if your video is selected for further consideration, you must have access to the .mp4 or .mov file.
- Additionally, videos must be under 4 minutes in duration to be eligible for submission.