Okay, so I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of getting a film seen at international festivals. It seemed like such a distant, glamorous world. But this year, I decided to actually do something about it, instead of just dreaming. Here’s how it all went down.
Figuring Out Where to Start
First, I had to, you know, actually finish a film. That was step one! I had this short film I’d been working on, pouring my heart and soul into it. Once I had a final cut I was happy with, the real work began.
Then it was time to hit the internet – hard. I spent hours researching different film festivals. I looked at big ones, small ones, ones that focused on specific genres…it was overwhelming, to be honest. I made a huge spreadsheet (I’m a spreadsheet kind of person) to keep track of deadlines, submission fees, and what kind of films they seemed to favor.
The Submission Grind
- Choosing the Right Festivals: I couldn’t just submit to every festival. That would be insane, and expensive. I narrowed it down to a handful that felt like a good fit for my film’s style and subject matter.
- Reading the Fine Print: Seriously, this is crucial. Every festival has its own rules and requirements. Some want specific formats, others have length restrictions…missing any of that would be a disaster.
- Crafting a Killer Submission Package: This was more than just uploading the film. I had to write a synopsis, a director’s statement, and gather some decent stills from the film. It’s like putting together a resume, but for your movie.
- Paying the Fees: Yeah, this part stings a bit. Submission fees can add up quickly. I had to be really selective about which festivals I was willing to shell out for.
- Press the Submit Button: I finally did, and crossed my fingers!
The Waiting Game (and Rejections)
This is probably the hardest part. You send your film out into the world and…wait. And wait. And wait some more. I got rejections, of course. It’s part of the process. It’s tough not to take it personally, but I tried to remember that it’s all subjective. There are a million reasons why a film might not get selected.
The Sweet Taste of Acceptance!
Then, it happened. I got an email saying my film had been accepted into a smaller festival in Europe! I was over the moon. It wasn’t Cannes, but it was something. It meant my film would actually be screened in front of an audience, in another country! That feeling was incredible.
The Festival Experience (Sort Of)
Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford to actually go to the festival. Flights, accommodation…it was just too much. But, the festival was great about sending updates and photos. I even got a few messages from people who had seen the film and liked it. That made all the effort feel worthwhile.
It was a long and sometimes frustrating journey. I learned to carefully select my festivals by matching the genre and style. I would submit my applications more carefully. I will keep polishing the script, even when I think it is good enough. The key is to keep creating, keep submitting, and keep believing in your work. One festival at a time!
