Dogme 95 is a film movement that originated in Denmark and was created by directors Lars Von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg, who directed Dogme films “The Idiots” and “Festen” respectively. To qualify as Dogme, a film must follow the rules set out in the 1995 Dogme Manifesto which is known as “The Vow of Chastity” and contains the following:

1. Shooting must be done on location. Props and sets must not be brought in (if a particular prop is necessary for the story, a location must be chosen where this prop is to be found).
2. The sound must never be produced apart from the images or vice versa. (Music must not be used unless it occurs where the scene is being shot).
3. The camera must be hand-held. Any movement or immobility attainable in the hand is permitted. (The film must not take place where the camera is standing; shooting must take place where the film takes place).
4. The film must be in colour. Special lighting is not acceptable. (If there is too little light for exposure the scene must be cut or a single lamp be attached to the camera).
5. Optical work and filters are forbidden.
6. The film must not contain superficial action. (Murders, weapons, etc. must not occur.)
7. Temporal and geographical alienation are forbidden. (That is to say that the film takes place here and now.)
8. Genre movies are not acceptable.
9. The film format must be Academy 35 mm.
10. The director must not be credited.

Since the manifesto’s inception in 1995, 122 Dogme films have been made. However despite having to go through an approval process where each film is judged by previous Dogme directors, some of the films that have been awarded with the Dogme certificate are still disputed by many to have broken some of the rules. Founders Von Trier and Vinterberg say that it is the judging director’s personal opinion as to whether a film qualifies as Dogme or not and that certificates will not be renounced after a verdict.

External Links
Dogme 95 Official Site