How to get into Film Festivals
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Breaking into the film industry isn’t as easy as buying a camera, grabbing your BFFs, and shooting from the hip. Strategy, hard work, fears, and tears are the first form of currency required to getting accepted—or rejected—by film festivals. You’ll need to harden yourself against a sea of “no’s.” This sweaty emotional battle is what most people call “paying your dues.”
And don’t be fooled: not just any film will get you into Sundance, Tribeca, or Cannes. If you don’t believe me, watch Tick Tick Boom on Netflix. The struggle to “make it” is real. Giving up? Always tempting. But if you stay dedicated to your craft, you’ll give yourself a real shot at entering the festival circuit.
We believe in you. Film is our favorite creative medium, and we want more of it. That’s why we make film production management and film payroll for film and television so easy. But enough about us—let’s talk about how you can get into film festivals and take the next step in your career.
How Do You Get Selected for Film Festivals?
Some of the biggest festivals on the global “circuit” include:
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
Berlin International Film Festival
These festivals want to host your world premiere. That means if you already screened your film at a local festival, your chances at the big stage go way down. Hold off on smaller festivals until you’ve given yourself a chance with the majors.
Choosing the Right Film Festival for Your Film
Think of festivals like genres: each has its own niche. Research is your best friend here. Look at past lineups and find the festivals that showcase films similar to yours.
Types of Film Festivals
Documentary Film Festivals: True/False Film Festival (Missouri), Mountainfilm (Colorado), Thessaloniki International Film Festival (Greece), Visions du Réel (Switzerland).
Indie Film Festivals: Big Sky Documentary Film Festival (Montana), Slamdance Film Festival (Utah), Tribeca (NYC), TIFF (Canada).
Latin American Film Festivals: Los Angeles Brazilian Film Festival, Portland Latin American Film Festival, North Carolina Latin American Film Festival.
Women’s Film Festivals: St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival (Canada), Women’s International Film & Arts Festival, Moondance International Film Festival.
Animation Film Festivals: Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Animafest Zagreb, Holland Animation Film Festival.
Horror Film Festivals: A Night of Horror International Film Festival (Sydney), Beyond Fest (Los Angeles), Brooklyn Horror Film Festival.
Asian Film Festivals: DMZ Docs (Korea), Busan International Film Festival, Tokyo International Film Festival, Singapore International Film Festival.
Short Film Festivals: Raindance Film Festival (London), Hollywood Shorts Fest (Los Angeles), Berlinale Shorts (Germany), American Film Festival (Poland), TIFF Shorts, Tribeca Shorts, Edinburgh Film Festival.
Jewish Film Festivals: Israel Film Festival (Los Angeles), Lenore Marwil Detroit Jewish Film Festival, Oklahoma Jewish Film Festival, Hamilton Jewish Film Festival.
Human Rights Film Festivals: ACT Human Rights Film Festival (Colorado), This Human World (Vienna), One World International Human Rights Documentary Film Festival (Prague).
With over 3,000 film festivals worldwide, you’ll need to balance your artistic fit with your budget for submission fees.
How Much Does It Cost to Enter a Film Festival?
The average film festival submission fee is around $40. Entry costs range from free to $500, with prestigious festivals on the higher end.
Other costs to budget for:
Travel (flights, hotels, meals)
Promotional items (posters, cards, swag)
High-quality film copies (HD masters, DCPs, extra DVDs)
Festival Type | Average Entry Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Local & Student Festivals | $0 – $25 | Often free or heavily discounted |
Indie/Regional Festivals | $25 – $75 | Most common range |
Prestigious Festivals | $100 – $500 | Sundance, TIFF, Cannes, etc. |
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Polish before you submit: Don’t rush. A festival-ready film is finished.
Stand out: Thousands of films flood programmers. Be unique in story and execution.
Network & attend festivals: Rub elbows, ask questions, study trends.
Write a killer synopsis: It’s your calling card—make it tight and compelling.
Send great photos: Think of it like a movie poster—images sell.
Make connections: Reach out to programmers (LinkedIn is your friend). Assistant programmers do the first pass—help them remember you.
Online Film Festivals vs In-Person Festivals
Post-2020, online film festivals became popular through platforms like FilmFreeway. They can save you money, but they lack the networking power of in-person events. If you can afford it, prioritize attending in person.
What Is an Underground Film Festival?
Underground film festivals focus on avant-garde, experimental, and outsider films. Examples include:
Melbourne Underground Film Festival
Atlanta Underground Film Festival
Frequently Asked Questions (Film Festival Submissions)
How do I improve my chances of getting into top film festivals (Sundance, Tribeca, TIFF)?
Submit a fully finished cut, know each festival’s premiere policy, target the right category, craft a concise synopsis, include high-quality stills, and submit early (early deadlines often get more consideration and lower fees).
Do major festivals require a world or regional premiere?
Many A-list festivals prioritize world or international premieres. Others accept North American, U.S., or regional premieres. Always read the festival’s eligibility page before showing your film elsewhere.
What length qualifies as a short vs. a feature?
It varies by festival, but shorts are often ≤ 40 minutes (including credits). Features are typically > 40–60 minutes. Check the specific festival’s rules for exact cutoffs.
Should I submit to local festivals first?
If you’re aiming for a world-premiere at a major festival, wait. Screening locally first can disqualify you. If your strategy targets regional discovery and awards, local festivals can be a great first stop.
What are typical film festival fees?
Average submission fees hover around $40, ranging from $0 to $500 depending on prestige, category, and deadline (early/regular/late). Budget for multiple submissions—and for travel if accepted.
What technical delivery formats do festivals expect?
Many require a DCP for exhibition, plus ProRes or high-bitrate H.264 screeners during selection. Plan for captions/subtitles, a dialogue list, and clean audio (no temp rights).
Do I need music or clip licenses in place before I submit?
Yes. Even at the selection stage, festivals can request proof of music/clip clearances. Unlicensed material risks disqualification and distribution issues later.
Can student and first-time filmmakers compete?
Absolutely. Most festivals have student or new filmmaker categories and laurels. Your fit and execution matter more than your résumé.
How important are stills and a logline?
Vital. Programmers and press rely on 2–5 striking stills and a one-sentence logline to understand, remember, and market your film.
Is an online film festival worth it?
If travel isn’t feasible, online fests can build laurels and feedback. For networking and industry momentum, in-person events still have the edge.
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