“They go into the ‘incomplete submission form’ pile where it won’t be watched.” Elliot confesses that matters are made worse by the fact that filmmakers don’t return their calls when they chase them for the missing details. If you’re a young or first-time filmmaker, there’s probably no better way to get exposure for your project (and for yourself!) Films may be of recent date and, depending upon the festival's focus, … That’s crazy, right?”. A documentary film festival featuring films on the global freedom struggle that speak to Martin Luther King Jr.'s unanswered question. And while it is professional courtesy to notify filmmakers that your film was not accepted, they may not always get around to doing so in a timely fashion. Before submitting your film to a particular festival, make sure you do some thorough research as to what type of films they usually screen. The first film festival at Cannes was held in September 1939, but was cancelled after its opening night due to World War 2.It started again with more success in 1946. The division between A list and B list festivals has been brought about by the sanctioning organisation: Fédération Internationale des Associations de Producteurs de Films / International Federation of Film Producers Association (FIAP). Common Film Festival Formats. CultureXChange interviewed the festival’s current manager Giedre Bumbulyte to understand what kind of conversation happens in the room when a world pandemic hits the industry and about the importance of a film festival in this streaming-cinema age. “These submissions can’t be considered,” explains Elliot. Film festivals can attract attendees from their own community and around the world, ultimately boosting the local economy. Read, understand and follow the festival’s rules and regulations. For example, getting into one film festival can open the door to many others, with smaller festivals sending scouts to larger festivals. So all hope is definitely not lost. Try to qualify the kind of attention your film could bring to the specific festival you submitted to. My question is from your experience: How do you usually find out If your short film got accepted? Get your FREE copy of the eBook called "astonishingly detailed and useful" by Filmmaker Magazine! You'll be sending this link to hundreds of people, any of whom can grab the film… A win at a major film festival can be a huge deal - an award win for an independent feature film could result in a cinema distribution deal and more. 2. Worldwide there are almost 10,000 unique film festivals. Film Festival Tips. 65th Cork International Film Festival, Ireland’s First and Largest Film Festival. Because Chad and I premiered at Mountainfilm, we had four other festivals approach us to attend their festivals too (and forgo the arduous submission process). Selected and not-Selected Filmmakers will be notified via email by … Do you usually find out about getting in before the notification deadline withoutabox or filmfreeway present or usually find out on the notification date exactly? Écu is a festival based in Paris, France. Perhaps you have a feature film you're trying to sell? This means you can make as many copies as you like from DCPs you’ve created yourself or had a professional service create for you, which is particularly helpful/cost effective if you’re sending your film out to lots of festivals. Locarno International Film Festival – Throughout its history the Locarno International Film Festival has occupied a unique position in the landscape of the major film festivals. Even though you can submit your film at any point during the submission period, it would be beneficial to do it as early as possible. My Short Film Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/musiciansandmagicians/. Increasingly, film festivals show some films outdoors. I do not want to travel alone during these difficult times. It was founded in 2006 by Australian filmmaker Scott Hillier. Film festivals can consolidate and maintain democracy, peace and freedom. Dead by Dawn is Scotland's international horror film festival. David Brawley, a programmer at the Cucalorus Film Festival, explains that thinking your film is bad only because it didn't get in is like “leaving a grocery store and saying everything you didn't buy in there is terrible. The highlight is that it almost only features festivals with… Homemade keys have been corrupt or haven’t unlocked in time. But which film festivals do you send it to? The film festival will give you exposure to industry delegates, film lovers and the media. So what can you do to increase your chances? Film festivals give new talent an opportunity to shine, while also showcasing the work of already well-known and respected filmmakers. Anyone can volunteer! The longer you wait, the harder it can be to land one of the coveted slots on the program. - Submit your film by June 8th 2021. It behooves them to have as many filmmakers attend their festival as possible. First, film festivals bring you EXPOSURE. The London International Film Festival is a part of a global Industry event. It might seem obvious, but much of your film’s success will depend on its quality. email? “I can’t tell you the number of times I have to email, telephone and leave messages; call other members of the crew trying to reach a producer or director. A film festival is simply a filming competition. Usually, you should receive notification of your acceptance by email. 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