‘It’s finally done,’ you say to yourself as you have finished the film you were working on. Now able to see it in existence, what was once just an interesting thought in your mind, must be a fulfilling experience. You and your crew are happy with your product and have high hopes for it. But what stands in the way is the obstacle to garner an audience for your film; which sadly doesn’t become an easy task no matter how incredible your work is. The various video sharing platforms although offer you to upload your film on their services, there is a very shallow chance that it’ll reach a viewer count enough to provide you any benefits. So what means could be of help to independent filmmakers in this regard?
The phenomenon of film festivals is not uncommon amongst the general public. From work of popular production houses to small budget independent films, everything shows up on festivals that take place around the globe. And for those who are unfamiliar with this concept, a film festival is an organized event that screens multiple selected films at one or more cinemas or screening venues. Attended by many significant and important people of cinema, it provides various different opportunities for new and upcoming films.
How Does It Benefit You and Your Film?
Networking and Funding Opportunities
As aforementioned, a film festival hosts many people from the industry. Thus your film has an opportunity to be noticed by big producers and executives who could meet up with you to offer funding for your next project or some valuable advice based on your work. Also with many other filmmakers present, you have the chance to connect and collaborate with the people whose work you like.
Exposure
A certain factor that benefits you film in a festival is an audience of film enthusiasts, providing their undivided attention to the screening of your film. That not only helps in valuable critique of your work, but your story could also compel people in the audience to work with you in your future projects.
Awards and Prizes
To be recognized as an award-winning filmmaker is a great title on its own, but many film festivals offer various prizes along with the credibility to your name. You could stand to win distribution of your film, filmmaking gear, cash prizes etc. if you are deemed victorious at a festival.
Film Festival Circuit and Attracting Niche Audiences
The many local festival organizers are connected and observant of each other’s film events; which helps your submission as you get a probable chance of being invited to screen your film at other festivals. Also getting your submission selected for screening increases your chance to be accepted by the festivals again.
Many film festivals also host events for specific categories of films which are mostly attended by niche audiences. If your project falls under the dedicated category, the chances of your selection and winning become higher and you could attract a particular audience for your style of work.
But keeping the various benefits in mind, there are some factors you should consider before submitting your film in a festival to make the best out of it. Choosing the right festival, what festivals to attend, how to know your film is ready for submission, how to make the perfect pitch for your project etc. are important elements, which if rightfully done, could marvelously help your film.
And for that, reaching out to a film agency who participates in these events and services helps as they can provide you with a well constructed festival strategy and ensure a much better performance of your project at the event.
