One of the primary ways films and filmmakers are discovered before getting a deal or distribution is through film festivals. While traditional festivals such as Cannes can have high barriers, there are a plethora of smaller and virtual festivals that can open doors and eyes to your projects.
By learning how to connect with filmmakers, you can gain a new path towards success and your film can gain the attention it deserves. Here are 6 of the best ways to connect with film festivals to get your films in.
If you’re looking for film festivals, FilmFreeway is the most comprehensive and up-to-date database available. In their own words, “FilmFreeway is the world’s #1 way to discover, submit and get tickets to thousands of film festivals, screenplay contests, music contests and photography contests all over the world.” Each event has an email address listed that you can use to contact them. You can contact them with a single click. You can also try to figure out who is reading those emails so you can directly address them in the email which can increase your chances of them responding.
If you’re looking for film festivals, FilmFreeway is the most comprehensive and up-to-date database available. In their own words, “FilmFreeway is the world’s #1 way to discover, submit and get tickets to thousands of film festivals, screenplay contests, music contests and photography contests all over the world.” Each event has an email address listed that you can use to contact them. You can contact them with a single click. You can also try to figure out who is reading those emails so you can directly address them in the email which can increase your chances of them responding.
Film festival directors and others working on the festival can be found on LinkedIn. More importantly, many film festival organizers are active on LinkedIn and are more likely to respond. You can contact them by sending them a direct message. Importantly, you have to use a personalized message, otherwise, you are unlikely to receive a response. While there are many festival directors, you are more likely to get a response from the programmers of the film festival.
Just like LinkedIn, Facebook is filled with film festival organizers. Many Facebook groups have been created specifically for film festival organizers to meet. You might look at the list of group members and message them directly if you can find your way into one. Here is one group you can try to join: Film Festival Organizers
This may be obvious, but just in case: attending film festivals is an excellent method to meet festival organizers. Stick to the film festival’s parties or events where film festival organizers are likely to be present. Just keep an eye out for the right badges!
6. Coffee/Drinks
This one is different from the others because you have to actually set a meeting with the person, however, you’d be surprised who will be receptive. When messaging on Facebook, LinkedIn, or emailing them, you can suggest meeting with the film festival organizer for coffee or drinks. Being able to socialize in person is far more effective than keeping everything in an email.
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