Introduction For new filmmakers, the decision of which festival(s) to submit to can be overwhelming. Smaller festivals and side competitions at major events can be great launchpads for a film. Whether you've just completed your first project or are planning your next, here are some festivals to consider for your submissions.
For Short Films: Although many festivals have short film programs, it can be tough for shorts to stand out among the more publicized narrative and documentary features. A specialized festival like Aspen Shortsfest may be a better fit. This festival focuses solely on short films, and its selections are eligible for Academy Award consideration.
Raindance serves as both a film school and festival, with educational hubs in Mexico City, Dubai, and London. The annual festival in London features a strong shorts program due to its connection with the film school, providing young filmmakers an opportunity to screen their work to a specialized audience of industry executives and buyers.
For Films Highlighting Marginalized Experiences: Every summer, queer filmmakers from around the globe gather in Hollywood for Outfest. This festival showcases shorts, features, documentaries, and even episodic TV shows, providing queer filmmakers the chance to present their work and make industry connections. Other LGBTQ+ festivals include Seattle Queer Film Festival, Atlanta's Out on Film, and New York City's NewFest. Quality films often get selected for multiple festivals, building their reputation.
Cannes and Venice also offer independent awards for LGBTQ+ films: the Queer Palm and the Queer Lion, respectively. The Berlin International Film Festival has a similar award, the Teddy.
BlackStar in Philadelphia is a newer festival that focuses on Black, Brown, and Indigenous storytellers, quickly becoming a favorite among filmmakers from the Global South. The New York Latino Film Festival offers Latinx filmmakers a venue to showcase their films, providing professional development and networking opportunities, and a chance to highlight films for the local and national press.
For Region-Specific Films: Festivals often prioritize filmmakers from their communities. The Atlanta Film Festival, one of the largest in the U.S., favors Southern filmmakers, benefiting from Georgia’s thriving film industry. Austin hosts the SXSW Film & TV Festival, known for premiering both TV series and movies, offering panels, mentorship, and workshops. The lesser-known Austin Film Festival focuses on writing competitions for screenplays, teleplays, playwriting, and podcasting.
For Genre-Specific Films: Horror is currently enjoying a resurgence, with festivals like Montreal's Fantasia leading the way in genre cinema. Famous for its inclusive, fan-friendly atmosphere, Fantasia is a must for horror fans. In the U.S., Fantastic Fest in Austin shares a similar vibe, celebrating both the latest horror hits and artful genre films.
For the Big Leagues: Cannes is arguably the most prestigious film festival, where top auteurs premiere their latest works. New filmmakers should consider the Un Certain Regard or La Cinef sections, as well as Directors’ Fortnight and Critics’ Week. Venice International Film Festival, the oldest in the world, also reserves sidebars like Orizzonti and Venice Days for experimental and unconventional films.
Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland is known for its outdoor screenings in the Piazza Grande and its experimental nature, making it a friendly environment for cinephiles. Sundance, the premier American film festival, starts the cinematic year with new trends and talents. Applying to Sundance’s lab or mentorship programs is a great way for new filmmakers to break in.
By Sal Framondi,
CEO/Founder, OPPRIME.tv
Producer, Black Filmmakers Matter
The success of independent filmmakers hinges on effective distribution, and OPPRIME.tv offers a prime opportunity for filmmakers to present their work to a global audience. By partnering with OPPRIME.tv, independent filmmakers gain access to a dedicated platform that prioritizes the promotion and exposure of their films. This partnership allows filmmakers to reach a wider audience, generate significant revenue, establish crucial industry connections, build a strong reputation, and participate in social and cultural discourse. OPPRIME.tv empowers filmmakers by providing the means to share their unique stories, initiate important conversations, and leave a lasting impact on the filmmaking world. With OPPRIME.tv as their distribution partner, independent filmmakers can overcome distribution hurdles and seize opportunities for growth and success in the industry.
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