If you’re not in the film industry, it can seem like there’s always some sort of film festival on somewhere at any given time. It’s true, because it is estimated there in any given year there are minimum 12,000 film festivals taking place and that number will continue to grow. Each festival is different and unique for its own reasons, and what they have in common is a real, tangible place for filmmakers and those in the film industry to network with others, and to sell films. So what’s the real point in having film festivals?
Types of film festivals: The ‘big six’ and then all the rest
The ones that everyone wants to be featured at is one of the ‘big six,’ which includes: Cannes, Venice, Telluride, Toronto, Sundance and Berlin. If we think of the ‘film year’ it starts in May on the French Riviera, in Cannes, usually in mid-May. Cannes is the most prestigious and glamorous of them all and continues to hold that throne. The competition starts heating up across Europe in Venice in August, where more films debut to the media. before Telluride and Toronto in September. The films from these build awards momentum, then Sundance in Salt Lake City is the first in the New Year, before rounding off with Berlin in February. The next most important and scattered throughout the year includes Santa Barbara (precursor to the Oscars), SXSW (post Oscars), Palm Springs, Cinequest in San Jose, Deauville American Festival, Fantastic Fest, Busan, London, Camerimage and Talinn.
What’s the big deal?
A lot of these festivals are unique because they also have a market attached to the festival where deals are struck. At these markets there are films ready to be bought and sold that have already been filmed, there are scripts changing hands, and then there are even ideas for films simply looking for finance. Sales agents scour the festival looking for the ‘next big thing’ and the way to do this is to be on the ground where the action is happening. Films that debut at these festivals also generally have a leg up from the get go. They have that prestige built in to them, and that makes it easier (but doesn’t guarantee) that a distributor will pick it up to sell it.
How can you attend these film festivals?
If you love films and the excitement that goes with seeing a fresh release for the first time and being one of those lucky ones in the room then attending film festivals is the hobby for you. Get applying. Get attending. Go watch. Top tips on how to attend below!
FILM FOR THOUGHT 