The Film Festival Submission Dilemma

Spray & Pray vs Customization

Depending on who you ask, there are between 7-10,000 film festivals scattered around the world. Some cities have 20 or more. And there are well over 15,000 independent films trying to earn invitations on the festival circuit each year. Clearly, there are not enough screening slots to satisfy the demand for so many filmmakers.

With it being so competitive, it’s critical that you develop a strategy, with specific goals in mind. Yes, there are a number of lists floating around. And yes, if you have a short film and feel like you have a legitimate shot at winning an Oscar-qualifying fest (if that’s all you’re really looking for), that list is easy to come by. In my experience, these general lists don’t cover the bases for most filmmakers.