Tips For Going To A Film Festival

You’ve submitted your film to multiple film festivals and you finally got that super exciting email letting you know your film has been accepted to one! Congratulations! You did it! But before you buy your plane tickets, there’s still a lot to do to prepare. So let’s go over some tips for going to a film festival.
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First up, traveling to film festivals can be expensive, so if you’re accepted into a film festival where you happen to have friends and family who live there save yourself some money by crashing on their couches. Believe me, hotel fees can add up quick, so it’s a great way to save some cash!
However, if there’s no couches available for cashing, try to book a hotel or airbnb that’s close to the festival location. Larger film festivals can get really jam packed with traffic, so being able to quickly move around on foot could save you a lot of time.
Also pro tip, bring comfortable walking shoes as you’ll probably be walking a lot! Next up, make sure you pack a portable battery you can use to charge your phone.
You’re most likely going to be out all day, and in some cases all night, so that last thing you want is for your phone to die. I have seen people try to rely on plugs at the festival location, but often these are few and far between because they are already either in use for the festival or the 20 other people who had the same idea are hogging them.
Next up, bring business cards that you can give out to other filmmakers, potential investors, or anyone you might want to stay in contact with. Pro tip, if you can afford it, have a custom business card that has your film’s name or logo on it. That way the receiver will know which film you’re connected to in the film festival.
Also, create 4x6 promo cards that you can pass out to people at the film festival that promote your film. And pro tip, leave a blank spot for the screening info for your film. Then when you know the screening times and locations, print out sticker labels and put those on the blank spots. That way you only have to print up one batch of promo cards that you can use for every film festival.
And finally on our packing list, make sure you have an extra digital copy of your film just in case. This can be on a thumb drive, DVD, or Blu Ray. This might seem like overkill in the dropbox world we live in, but sometimes internet connections can be spotty, equipment can break down, or the festival might have the wrong version of your film. So make sure you have a backup so you can ensure your film still gets seen.
Once you are ready to head to the film festival, make sure you arrive a day early before it starts. This way you won’t miss anything, plus it will help you get a lay of the land ahead of time. This is especially useful if you’re attending a large film festival that might be spread out.
Next up, go to as many screenings as you can. There you’ll not only get to see other fantastic films, but you’ll usually also get to hear from the filmmakers in Q&As after the screenings. Pro tip, by watching other filmmaker’s films, you’ll have a guaranteed ice breaker when you get a chance to talk to them.
Also, go to as many networking opportunities as possible. This can be filmmaker mixers, film panels, award shows, or parties. Film festivals are great for getting people to see your film or winning awards, but the networking opportunities are priceless!
And speaking of networking, if possible try to connect with the festival director and even connect with them on social media. Festival directors have seen every film, so they will know who you are and obviously like your work because they selected your film. Connecting with them and maintaining a long lasting relationship will help them remember you when you submit future films.
Now that you know these tips, you’ll be sure to rock the film festival circuit like a pro!
*This video contains affiliate links which give me a small commission once clicked on.
#FilmItYourself #FilmFestival #FilmFestivals

[@NotAloneStudios]

Wow, great tips! Some of these are just useful for life in general.
If I entered a film festival I'll be super prepared. I'll bring a USB drive, DVD, Blu Ray, VHS, and a 35mm reel just to be safe. 😆

[@Film_It_Yourself]

Haha you can never be too prepared! 😜

[@tohchengchin5049]

lol XD

[@Jiiimbooh]

Sorry, but only our Laserdisc player is working. 🤔🤷‍♂

[@chrissystewart6268]

Look forward to join film festivals I want my turn , I want my short films to be told . I do want to be involved , interacting with filmmakers I want to be successful I do want people to get to know me. Thanks for the info

[@Jk-id1gd]

Do they not invite me officially after got selected in festival?

[@Film_It_Yourself]

Hi there! If you got into the festival then you’re invited. Some festivals give free tickets to filmmakers while others don’t. You might need to buy your own ticket. Check with the film festival.

[@SkiddosSiren]

Sadly I don't think I'm cool