As we navigate the intricate world of film festivals, our team has embarked on an exhilarating journey of submission, seeking opportunities to share our short film, “The Purpose,” with audiences worldwide. With 40 festival submissions spanning 16 countries, each step of this process has been a learning experience filled with challenges, discoveries, and strategic decisions. In this blog post, we reflect on our journey so far and share insights into our approach to festival submissions.
Digging Deeper
One of the most valuable lessons we’ve learned is the importance of thoroughly researching each festival before submitting our film. Beyond just examining submission criteria and deadlines, delving into the festival’s ethos and values provides crucial insights into whether our film aligns with its mission. We’ve encountered festivals that express genuine appreciation for filmmakers’ contributions and others that exude an air of arrogance, prompting us to be selective about where we invest our resources.
Strategic Approach
Our submission strategy remains centered on targeting prestigious festivals that prioritize filmmaking values while seizing opportunities to benefit from early bird deadlines. For instance, at the HollyShorts Film Festival in LA, USA, we took advantage of the early bird entry, significantly reducing our submission fee (Early Bird deadline 45$ vs Final deadline 85$). By strategically choosing festivals aligned with our film’s themes and securing early submissions, we aim to maximize our chances of success.
Challenges and Considerations
One of the ongoing challenges we face is the lengthy waiting period for responses from festivals, typically spanning 4-6 months. This delay means we must continue our submissions without immediate feedback, trusting in our film’s quality and relevance to stand out amidst competition. Additionally, timing plays a crucial role, with the production date of our film influencing its eligibility for certain festivals. By completing our film early in the year, we ensure maximum eligibility and exposure within the festival circuit.
Building Momentum
In parallel with festival submissions, we’ve begun soliciting reviews from fellow filmmakers to bolster our film’s promotion. Positive reviews not only validate the quality of our work but also serve as valuable endorsements for festival programmers. As we work towards publishing these reviews on our website, we aim to enhance our film’s appeal and visibility within the industry.
Conclusion
As we continue our journey through the festival path, we remain committed to navigating challenges, seizing opportunities, and sharing our film with audiences worldwide. Each festival submission represents a step forward in our mission to amplify the voices and stories captured in “The Purpose.” With patience, persistence, and strategic planning, we look forward to the exciting possibilities that lie ahead on this cinematic adventure.
The festival path is not just about showcasing our film; it’s about embracing the journey, learning from each experience, and connecting with audiences and fellow filmmakers along the way. As we embark on this adventure, we invite you to join us in celebrating the power of storytelling and the universal language of cinema.