Paul Scolieri
Submitting your film to festivals is an opportunity to build buzz, connect with industry insiders, and showcase your creativity to the world. Getting accepted to the right festivals can be the key to the doors you want to open, and there is a real track record of festivals catapulting filmmakers into the limelight. Want examples? Ryan Coogler (Fruitville Station 2013) and Richard Linklater (Slacker 1991) both got their big break at Sundance. And as they say, “The rest is history”.
It’s not just about luck — real success at festivals is about preparation, optimization, and knowing exactly where to focus your energy. Here’s your high-impact, no-fluff guide to making your festival submissions count.
Perfect your product before it hits the big screen. Refine every frame, ensure your sound mix is flawless, and triple-check color grading. First impressions are everything. Sound like obvious advice? Yes, but it bears repeating. If you’re the jack of all trades but master of none, consider looping in specialists in editorial, sound, color, or VFX.
Yes, this may require some cash, or you can get creative with bartering services. There are plenty of talented young post-production professionals out there that want the same thing you do: To be part of an awesome film that gets seen by lots of people.
Once you’ve got a solid version, host private screenings with brutally honest audiences. Capture their feedback. Adjust ruthlessly. This is your opportunity to fix blind spots.
Pro Tip: Festival programmers are often looking for films that can fit into blocks. That means they are generally looking for short films under 10 minutes or feature length films. If you have a 25 minute short, it could be difficult to program, and may hurt your chances of getting accepted.
Craft a logline and synopsis that hook immediately. Think: How can I make this stand out? Channel advertising stalwart David Ogilvy and treat your press kit like a scroll-stopping ad.
“The key to success is to promise the consumer a benefit — like better flavor, whiter wash, more miles per gallon, a better complexion.”
Instead of promising better flavor, tap into the emotional reasons for why people loves movies. Tease the mind and leave room for intrigue. Some examples:
Pro Tip: Use ChatGPT for guidance and the ideation process. Make sure you add your own flavor and expertise. You know your film better than anyone.
Festivals are inundated with submissions. Don’t give them a reason to toss yours out. Read every guideline, format every file correctly, and submit on time.
Submitting early often costs less and gives your film more exposure to programmers. For example, early bird fees can be as low as $20-$40, while late deadlines can exceed $80-$100. Combine this with FilmFreeway’s Gold Membership to stretch your budget further and increase the number of festivals you can target. For example, early bird fees can be as low as $20-$40, while late deadlines can exceed $80-$100.
By planning ahead, you not only save money but also position your film for better visibility during less crowded submission periods. You’re a filmmaker. So you know filmmakers are always bumping up against deadlines. Submit early and stand out from the crowd.
Create a dashboard or spreadsheet to monitor deadlines, fees, and responses. Alternatively, leverage FilmFreeway’s built-in tools to simplify this process. Features like automated reminders and submission histories make it easy to track progress without manual effort. FilmFreeway also offers built-in tracking tools to streamline this process, allowing you to manage submissions, deadlines, and updates all in one place. Know what’s working and iterate for future submissions.
If you’re not an absolute egomaniac, you might be hesitant to go all-in on self-promotion. Like it or not, it’s a necessary step to achieving your goals. Check out Gary Vaynerchuk’s content model strategy. He is the king of authentic self promotion.
Before posting anything, build a strategy for you guerilla marketing adventure. Create your content pillars and build content around these topics, interweaving them when you can. This is how you build a social posting strategy and schedule. Remember, consistency beats perfection.
Examples of content pillars for your promotional run:
Behind the scenes footage: Show people how the sausage is made. Don’t worry about imperfections, they make you relatable.
Story and character deep dives: Interviews with the writer or actor, script to screen comparisons.
Industry recognition: Submission or selection announcements, Behind the scenes at festivals
Filmmakers Journey: You’re a storyteller. Tell your story. Be vulnerable.
Not every festival will say yes. Use every rejection as a learning opportunity. Ask for feedback when possible, and refine your strategy.
Momentum matters. Getting into a smaller festival can snowball into opportunities at bigger ones. Use your wins as leverage.
Submitting to festivals requires more than just your finished film. Here’s a checklist of essentials:
The short answer: Most festivals strive to watch every submission, but it depends on the festival’s size and resources. Larger festivals with thousands of entries often rely on teams of screeners to review films and create shortlists for programmers. Here’s what you can do to improve your odds:
Make your film stand out by following the marketing guidelines above. Create a striking poster, polished synopsis, and compelling opening scene can catch a screener’s attention.
Keep in mind, films submitted early may have a better chance of receiving careful consideration, as programmers are less overwhelmed.
The ideal number depends on your budget and goals. Here’s a guideline to consider:
Start with 10-20 Festivals: Focus on a mix of local, niche, and prestigious festivals that align with your film’s genre and target audience. For instance, if your film is a heartfelt indie drama, consider local gems like the Austin Film Festival. For niche markets, horror films thrive at events like the Fantasia International Film Festival. Meanwhile, prestigious festivals such as Sundance or Cannes can amplify your reach, though they are highly competitive. Choosing a diverse array ensures you tap into different audiences and opportunities.
Diversify Your Reach: Submit to both smaller festivals (easier acceptance rates) and larger ones (higher prestige and exposure).
Track and Adjust: Use the results from your initial submissions to refine your list and target additional festivals.
Film festivals are more than a launchpad; they’re a testing ground, networking hub, and credibility booster. Take, for example, Greta Bellamacina, whose debut film gained traction after winning at smaller festivals, eventually landing her a screening at the BFI London Film Festival. This exposure not only boosted her career but also opened doors to new collaborators and distribution opportunities. Stories like hers illustrate how strategic festival participation can lead to exponential growth. The filmmakers who thrive aren’t just talented — they’re strategic. Focus on what you can control, iterate fast, and treat every step of the process like a professional. You’re not just submitting a film; you’re building a brand.
Need help with your post-production? contact us to discuss editorial, color and digital cinema packages for your film.
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