by Sara L. Gordon

It should be a given that having your short film or feature in a film festival is a good thing when seeking independent film distribution. One big trick is figuring out how to get into a festival in the first place. It can be a tricky endeavor for, as with anything in life, you have to make it past at least a few gatekeepers.

There is no clear path to getting one’s film selected. However, in general it helps to have good press materials, noting any awards that you may have received and/or screening at other festivals. This, obvious but easy to overlook point, can really make the difference as it tells the festival director that your project has already been given a stamp of approval by another festival somewhere in the world.

You are either going to get in or you are not. Don’t call and bother the festival directors or other employees unless it is absolutely necessary. You may think at the time you are telling them an important tidbit about your film or a new prize you may have won, but to the film festival it might just accidentally come across the wrong way. People are human, it’s that simple. Film festival employees are often overworked and often they are also underpaid.

By calling out of the blue, you are risking putting them in a bad mood. No matter how professional they may be, this could impact how they view your film. Imagine if they are selecting between your film and another and both are of equal quality and interest. Do you really want to be the guy or gal who got on their nerves? Probably not. Remember festival directors and employees deal with hundreds if not thousands of filmmakers and they have likely “seen it all.” Don’t try slick talking your way into a festival, it will only make you look sleazy and a bit dim of wit. Much like a clown trying to talk his way into a nightclub. Just resist the urge.

After you have applied to a festival, some events welcome email updates from filmmakers with news and updates about the film. However, I have talked to a few film festival directors about this topic and most say that they don’t even like to receive email updates when in the process of making a decision about a film. They say it comes across as pushy. However, as I mentioned, some festivals may see it as useful to get recent updates about news from the festival circuit. On this point, I would say proceed with caution and try to size up the general vibe of the festival you are applying to.

If there is a festival you really, really want to get into, one idea is you could try volunteering. This way people know you later on and are familiar with your good qualities. In any industry it is always better to be even slightly known than to be the unknown. Besides while at the festival you never know who you will meet. If you happen to make friends or hit it off with the festival directors or employees- well… all the better.

Let’s say you are a Miami based filmmaker, are you a local? Being a local filmmaker could really give you a leg up. Festivals love the idea that you might be able to help them sell tickets, they are in business after all just like you. If your film would be a Miami premiere, for example, and you are Miami based, then your film has a little something extra to offer. Look for angles of this nature and be ready to think outside of the box.

About the Author Sara L. Gordon is currently working in the film industry. She studies independent film making and film distribution. http://www.squidoo.com/Getting-film-Funding