Four months into the submission process, having sent “The Purpose” to over 60 film festivals, I’ve navigated through a sea of advice, books, and videos on succeeding in the film festival circuit. While the journey is far from over, I’m keen to share key insights I’ve gathered—insights that are instrumental when paired with a well-made film. Remember, these tips enhance your submission strategy, but the cornerstone of success is the quality of your film—its craftsmanship, visual appeal, and, crucially, its sound.
1. Submit Early
One unanimous piece of advice: submit as early as possible. A short film can be in the festival circuit for up to two years, so patience is crucial. Early submissions are not only cost-effective but also place your project on the radar of screeners ahead of the crowd. If there’s a spark in your film, early submission maximizes your selection chances—the earliest bird gets the worm, indeed.
2. Add Festivals to Your Watchlist
Missed an early deadline? Add the festival to your watchlist. Platforms like FilmFreeway offer notification systems for upcoming deadlines, sparing you from manually tracking each festival. This simple rule ensures you never miss an opportunity because of a deadline slip.
3. Create a Dedicated Email for Submissions
This might seem obvious, but it’s easy to overlook. A dedicated email keeps all film-related correspondence in one place, allowing you to focus without distraction from unrelated emails. It also centralizes notifications from your festival watchlist.
4. Craft a Compelling Cover Letter
Never underestimate the power of a cover letter. This is your chance to pique the screener’s interest with unique details about your film. Avoid generic descriptions; share something that highlights your film’s uniqueness. For “The Purpose,” I mentioned how a Russian missile struck our filming location just days before production began, a detail that immediately draws interest.
5. Reach Out to Film Festivals
Most festivals provide contact information, allowing filmmakers to notify them of their submission. Personal outreach can be rewarding, offering a sense of connection during the often long and feedback-free submission period. A proactive approach, like reporting a technical issue on the submission platform, shows you care and makes your project memorable.
Reflecting on these tips, I wish I could send them back in time to when I first embarked on this path. May they serve as a guiding light for your film festival journey, illuminating the way to recognition and success for your short film.