NAVIGATING FILM FESTIVALS: PRACTICAL TIPS FOR DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKERS

As we find ourselves halfway through 2023, the documentary film industry continues to undergo significant transformations across the board. Funding models, acquisition trends, platforms and the state of theatrical exhibition are all changing and shifting in ways that can be hard to understand. Film festivals have been affected by these changes, and while some renowned festivals have closed their doors this year (Full Frame, Traverse), others, such as DC/DOX, just celebrated their first edition.

Whatever the challenges in the current landscape, filmmakers continue to submit their films to festivals, mostly with the hope of having a meaningful interaction with audiences, and receiving distribution offers as a result. This is not exactly how things go these days for most filmmakers, so in this abridged blog, we will offer our top recommendations for a healthy and successful approach to film festival strategy:

(1) Consider film festivals as part of your larger distribution plan. Rather than viewing them as standalone events, think about how they can contribute to the broader exposure and promotion of your documentary and how they fit with other important pieces such as an impact campaign, a theatrical tour, sales or your digital release.

(2) Don't submit until you are ready. Make sure that your documentary is the best it can be before submitting it to festivals and don’t rush this process. You’d be surprised at how many filmmakers don’t follow this advice.

(3) Put time and creativity into developing your assets. Create compelling promotional materials for your documentary such as an engaging trailer, eye-catching poster, synopsis, and a well-crafted press kit. 

(4) Timing matters. Strategize your festival submissions by mapping out a circuit that aligns with your film's release timeline and target audience. 

(5) Thoroughly research each festival you plan to submit to. Explore their website, understand their mission and values, and examine their previous year's lineup. This knowledge will help you tailor your submission and increase the likelihood of your documentary resonating with their programmers.

(6) Focus on your film's strengths and align them with festivals. Avoid chasing exclusively after the most prestigious venues, and identify festivals that align with the strengths and themes of your documentary. This targeted approach will improve your chances of finding the right audience and generating buzz.

(7) Budget and stick to your budget. Allocate a budget for festival submissions, travel, accommodations, and marketing expenses. Plan your expenditures wisely and ensure that you stay within your budgetary limits. 

(8) After submitting your documentary, be patient and wait for the festival's notification date. If you haven't received any communication by that time, consider sending a polite follow-up email to inquire about the status of your submission. 

(9) Be prepared to be selected. Have the necessary deliverables, such as your exhibition copy and publicity materials, readily available. Talk to your subjects, and make a realistic plan to attempt to attend as many festivals as you can.

If any of these tips have piqued your interest, we invite you to reach out to us via our website or send us a direct message at @twinseasmedia. Based on the feedback we receive, we will dedicate a full blog post to the two tips that gets the most votes!