How to Get Into Film Festivals (Why They’re Still Important)

Doors open for The Art of Documentary on March 13th
We have an entirely new course focused on everything editing, THE PERFECT CUT, 40+ new videos

Check out our Documentary Academy:

GEAR LIST

0:00 Intro & my Trip to Sundance
1:43 Tip 1 Submit to the correct Fest
3:17 Tip 2 Know Your Audience
4:04 Tip 3 Get on Film Freeway
4:36 All The Films Are AOD Student Films
4:58 Tip 4 Make A Good Trailer
6:30 Tip 5 Only Submit Work You Feel Is Complete
7:00 Tip 6 First 10% of Your Film Determines Everything
7:30 Tip 7 Get Your Butt To the Festival

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

[Amtran]

I'm an actor and the most recent short film I did just got accepted to two festivals. I'm going to the screening in the first festival next month and am very excited.

[tylermason]

My personal experience when submitting to festivals, reading their submission guidelines, and emailing staff is that a lot of them actually don't care about premiere status IF you're doing short films. For features, it's obviously entirely different. And it seems like you're largely referring to features here. But I know a lot of people in the comments will be making shorts currently rather than features, so I figured I'd mention this just so they all know that things tend to be a bit more lenient and flexible with shorts than with features.

You always put out awesome content, and I consistently learn a ton of stuff and get a lot of great ideas from you!

[zerKl]

I'm starting my journey in the film festival game with my first short film this year....This was

[HollyHargreaves]

Slamdance is not easy to get into & is a great festival in its own right, so congrats on that🙌

[AndreaJoshuaAsnicar]

Man I'm starved for connections with filmmakers. For festivals. For art. Moving back home was great for myself, but I need to get back into it. Meeting people, connecting with people, working with people is just great!
Don't close yourself, go out into the world as a filmmaker!

[BradyBessette]

thanks for coming in town and keeping me company!! SLC will miss you

[lucaslahlum]

Now I need to learn how to make a film

[RyanBartonGrimley]

This is a great video about film festivals, the ins and outs, the little extra tips, etc... I'd add "extra communication with the programmers in a non-needy-way to create long term relationships, etc..." to this list as it has helped all my micro-budget features get some extra play and attention. I usually centered the extra communication around volunteering to do Q&A's in person or zoom, publicizing the project and their festival, etc... They like this :) Also... If you're a nice human, you love film, you give a little, the programmers will notice and always give your new projects a chance. They want to be fans! Great work as always Mark!

[leslawkaznowski]

Thank you so much for this video! Every time I watch your content I am increasing my skills! Filmmaking is thinking, creating and telling. You are absolutely amazing that you share your knowledge and experience. 🖤

[hauntngu]

I'm all by myself in this, but I managed to get a hold of a local film crew at a university. They made a few movies previously and were horror which is what I'm writing, and one of the guy's okay with me being in. There's a festival not far from us and it's in October specifically for horror. It really couldn't get better. The guy I called is a director and liked what I proposed to him, and seems to want to get into it.

[BryceDocherty]

Super stoked to complete my first film in a few weeks. I have big hopes for it. Hope to see Okay soon!!

[_jonathanlue]

Thank you mark! Definitely been learning so much through AOD and never could have imagined the growth I’ve gained these past few months

[rosetofilms]

Man, I've been loving seeing you do more vlog style videos! -Johnathon DeSoto :)

[matthewboyd]

Well said Mark. I am wrapping up a short doc that is centered around a shepherd and his relationship with his goats, his dogs, and nature. Can you think of some festivals that tend to lean more towards such subjects. Of course I'm shooting for the moon with big festivals as well. Thanks, great work!

[dan_abrusci]

AOD student here.
Funny enough, good timing on this video for me.
I just submitted to a few film festivals for my first short doc I directed
Let's see how it goes :)

[ChrisHunter-xq]

Amazing. Thank you so much for this. As someone who has aspired to create since I was young, this video put a big smile on my face and a sense of possibility. Truly, thank you.

[markbone]

What's your fav film festival? Any tips for others submitting? Also who is jumping into AOD this March??

[FermionBecProductions]

I'll be approaching this stage after completing my first documentary in June. These tips were enlightening.

[Ronsonofficial]

Had a great time week 2 sorry I missed you!! But I did see an AOD commercial out front the canon store 👏🏽💪🏽💪🏽

[tazyt]

Mate that’s a pretty good idea that’s never crossed my mind and we have a bunch of festivals here in oz hhhmmmm got me thinking again you gotta stop it hehe hope ya well cobba cheers