Submitting Your Film to Festivals: Insider Tips
Participating in film festivals is a crucial part of the filmmaking journey. The process of submitting your film to these events can be both exciting and intimidating. You're eager to share your work, but how can you make sure it grabs the attention of festival programmers and stands out among countless other submissions?
Having experience as both a filmmaker and a festival screener, I have insights into what goes on behind the scenes and some common dos and don'ts of film submissions. This article provides valuable tips on what screeners are looking for and offers my personal perspective on the submission process.
Choosing the Right Film Festivals
As a filmmaker, you may be tempted to submit your film to as many festivals as possible, hoping to increase your chances of getting noticed. However, submitting to numerous festivals can be costly and time-consuming. It's essential to narrow down your choices to those that best fit your film. How do you do that?
Start by researching festivals. Look at the types of films they've screened in recent years to see if they align with your film’s style and genre. For example, if you've made a horror film, avoid submitting to festivals that primarily show romantic comedies. Once you find a few festivals that seem like a good match, delve into their submission guidelines, rules, and deadlines.
Consider the festival’s reputation and prestige. Festivals like Sundance, Cannes, and the Toronto International Film Festival have a history of showcasing groundbreaking films and launching careers. However, they are highly competitive and may have strict entry criteria. Smaller festivals are more accessible and may offer a better chance of acceptance but might not provide as much exposure.
Ultimately, choosing the right festivals involves balancing accessibility, relevance, and prestige. Seek recommendations from other filmmakers or industry professionals and conduct thorough research. Festivals provide a platform to showcase your work, connect with fellow filmmakers, and gain valuable feedback. Choose wisely, submit confidently, and enjoy the experience.
Submitting to Film Festivals
One Sheet
Your film’s poster is often the first thing that festival screeners, programmers, and directors see. It's crucial to make it eye-catching and memorable. While you don't need to spend a fortune on the design, it should look professional and capture the essence of your film. An impressive poster can draw audiences to your screening, so make sure it's a real showstopper.
Trailer
Most screeners won’t have time to watch trailers because they’re focused on the film itself. However, uploading a trailer with your submission is still worthwhile. Trailers are effective promotional tools, and if your film is accepted, the festival will likely want one.
Keep It Short and Sweet
When it comes to your film’s cover letter and director’s statement, brevity is key. While most screeners won't read them thoroughly, there are times when additional context about the film is needed. Keep these documents concise and to the point. Don't make screeners sift through lengthy statements to find the information they need.
Fill Out All Details
Providing all the details about your film can significantly impact the submission process. Don't leave out any information—whether it’s genre, budget, cast, crew, or the camera used. These details help screeners and programmers evaluate your film properly. Highlight any well-known names or specific genres your film fits into, but limit it to two or three genres.
Keep Premiere Status and Screenings Updated
It's essential to keep your premiere status and prior screenings up to date in your festival account. Festivals need to know if your film is a world premiere or has been shown before and where. Some festivals prioritize world premieres, while others value films that have played at other prestigious festivals. Update your poster with any laurels from previous festivals to keep everyone informed.
Mention If You’re an Alumni
Mentioning that your previous film was screened at a particular festival can work in your favor. Include this information in your cover letter. It can remind screeners, programmers, and festival directors of your previous work and show your commitment to building industry relationships.
What Do Screener Committees Judge?
While every festival has its own criteria for judging films, there are a few key elements that most selection committees look for. It's important to remember that each festival values different aspects. Generally, they all seek great stories that entertain and inspire audiences.
Story
The story is paramount when submitting a film. Even if it's a familiar genre, it must be told in a fresh and innovative way. Excellent writing that keeps the audience engaged and evokes emotions is crucial. Make your story entertaining and unforgettable to ensure it stands out.
Sound
Sound is often overlooked in short films but can make or break the viewing experience. A proper sound mix, including balanced levels, foley coverage, and well-mixed dialogue, is essential. Don't let poor sound quality ruin your chances of selection.
Performances
Casting strong actors is vital. Avoid casting friends or family members who aren't suited for the roles. Choose actors who can bring your characters to life and evoke the desired emotions. Strong performances can significantly enhance your film.
Production Value
Even with a limited budget, you can create impressive production value. Pay attention to details like lighting, set design, and costumes. Creative efforts can make your film visually appealing and keep screeners invested.
Overall
The overall evaluation of your film includes all the aforementioned aspects. Festivals judge how well the story is told, the clarity of the filmmaker's vision, and the film's ability to hold attention from start to finish. Each element is scored, contributing to the film's overall assessment.
Film Festival Submission FAQs
If you're still feeling a bit lost about the submission process, here are some frequently asked questions to help you out.
How Much Does It Cost to Submit to Film Festivals?
The cost of submitting to film festivals can be steep. While some festivals offer free submissions, most charge $35 to $45 on average. Oscar or Bafta qualifying festivals can cost upwards of $85 per submission. Submitting during Early Bird deadlines can save money. On average, filmmakers spend around $1,500 on submissions to increase their chances of acceptance. It's an investment but can be worthwhile.
Can Anyone Submit to a Film Festival?
Yes, anyone can submit to a film festival, whether you're a professional, hobbyist, or student filmmaker. Short films, feature films, music videos, documentaries, and animations are all accepted. Ensure you check the festival's submission categories and guidelines before submitting.
Where Can I Submit to Film Festivals?
Submitting films has become easier with platforms like FilmFreeway, which dominates the market for festival submissions. A few festivals require direct submissions through their websites or other third-party platforms. For frequent filmmakers, a FilmFreeway Gold Membership offers discounts on submission fees.
Do Filmmakers Get Paid for Film Festivals?
No, festivals do not pay filmmakers for screening their films. However, attending festivals can lead to distribution deals if your film is well-received. Some festivals offer accommodations and meals for attending filmmakers, but travel costs and extras are usually not covered.
How Hard Is It to Get Into Film Festivals?
Submitting to film festivals is competitive, with selection rates varying by festival. Top-tier festivals like Oscar qualifiers may receive up to 10,000 submissions, accepting only around 1%. Smaller festivals have higher selection rates, around 10%. Remember that various factors influence selections, including the festival's theme, location, and screening blocks. Don't take rejections personally and continue submitting to other festivals.
Film Festivals Worth Your Time and Money
Ready to showcase your film? Here are some top film festivals to consider:
United States:
Sundance Film Festival, Park City, Utah – January 2024
Slamdance Film Festival, Park City, Utah – January 2024
Hamptons International Film Festival, Hamptons, NY – October 2023
Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Santa Barbara, California – February 2024
Hollyshorts, Los Angeles, California – August 2023
Indie Street Film Festival, Red Bank, NJ – August 2023
Blackbird Film Festival, Cortland, NY – April 2023
Bend Film Festival, Bend, Oregon – October 2023
Tribeca Festival, New York, NY – June 2023
Blowup Arthouse Film Fest, Chicago, Illinois – December 2023
Austin Revolution, Austin, Texas – February 2024
Dances With Films, Studio City, California – June 2023
Genreblast, Winchester, Virginia – August 2023
Palm Springs International ShortFest, Palm Springs, California – June 2023
LA Shorts International Film Festival, Los Angeles, California – July 2023
Brooklyn Film Festival, Brooklyn, NY – June 2023
AFI Fest, Los Angeles, California – October 2023
Long Island International Film Expo, Bellmore, NY – July 2023
Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Film Festival, Los Angeles, California – July 2023
SOHO International Film Festival, New York, NY – September 2023
SCAD Savannah Film Festival, Savannah, Georgia – October 2023
Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, Dubuque, Iowa – April 2023
Nashville Film Festival, Nashville, Tennessee – September 2023
Chicago International Film Festival, Chicago, Illinois – October 2023
Cinequest Film & VR Festival, San Jose, California – March 2023
New York Film Festival, New York, NY – October 2023
New Orleans Film Festival, New Orleans, Louisiana – November 2023
Bushwick Film Festival, Bushwick, Brooklyn – October 2023
Woods Hole Film Festival, Woods Hole, Massachusetts – August 2023
Coney Island
By Sal Framondi,
CEO/Founder, OPPRIME.tv
Producer, Black Filmmakers Matter
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