How do you research and select the most suitable film festivals for your genre and target audience?

1 Know your goals

Before you start looking for film festivals, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your film. Do you want to get exposure, feedback, distribution, or funding? Do you want to target a specific region, niche, or demographic? Do you want to compete for prestigious awards, or just have fun and meet new people? Knowing your goals will help you narrow down your options and focus on the festivals that match your expectations and needs.

2 Research the festivals

Once you have defined your goals, you can start researching the festivals that fit your criteria. There are many online resources and databases, such as FilmFreeway, Withoutabox, IMDb, and Film Festival Life, to help you find and compare festivals. Furthermore, you can seek recommendations from other filmmakers, industry professionals, or film critics. When researching festivals, some of the factors to consider are the genre, theme and style of the festival in relation to your film's genre, tone and message; the audience and reputation of the festival; the submission requirements and fees; the selection process and criteria; and the benefits and opportunities such as prizes, awards or recognition that the festival offers. Additionally, consider the chances of getting distribution, funding or exposure through the festival.

3 Select and prioritize

After completing your research, you should have a list of potential festivals that suit your film and goals. However, due to budget, time, or other constraints, you may not be able to submit to all of them, requiring you to select and prioritize the festivals that are most relevant and beneficial for you. Factors to consider when selecting and prioritizing festivals include exclusivity and premiere status, compatibility and feedback, timing and scheduling, and value and impact. Exclusivity and premiere status involve checking the festival's rules and policies on whether they prefer films that have not been screened or distributed elsewhere. Compatibility and feedback involve trying to get some feedback from previous participants, judges, or organizers. Timing and scheduling involve planning ahead and coordinating your submissions and attendance accordingly. Value and impact involve weighing the costs and benefits of each festival. Submitting your film to festivals can be a rewarding experience but it can also be challenging; by following these tips, you can research the most suitable film festivals for your genre and target audience, increasing your chances of success.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?