PHYSICAL OR DIGITAL FILM FESTIVALS: WHICH ONE IS BETTER?

The world has been moving towards digitalization long back, but the pandemic became the reason for its sudden surge among common people. Every Function had to go online because physical proximity was not an option. Film festivals are no exception either. Now the Upcoming film festivals are also being divided into two categories: online and offline.

Now, as a filmmaker, you must be very confused about these two categories. Well, that is exactly we are here. To erase all your confusion, we made a comparison between physical/ offline and online film festivals.

Ease of traveling

On this topic, online film festivals win 1 point. As they take entries via online method, they host the event also online. So you are not bound to any certain time, or place, nor do you need to spend any money on travel. Especially when you think about top film festivals in offline formats, like Cannes Film Festival or Venice Film festival, then you know how expensive their entry fees are‌ if you had to pay for airbus tickets, then you can imagine what the expenditure amount will look like.

Here, the online format comes in handy. You can attend the screening of online film festivals like Quarantine Film Festival, and Critics Review Online Festival right from your home. You can submit your film through film submission gateways like Filmfreeway or WFCN.

Cinematic Experience

Now, this point undoubtedly goes to old-school film festivals. The internet format degrades the cinematic experience‌. This is true with strictly genre movies, which offer the finest viewing experience when seen in a theatre where you may laugh, be scared, and cry along with the rest of the crowd. That is how going to the movies should be.

Learning experience

Offline film festivals are a huge learning opportunity for new, uprising filmmakers. Sundance in person offers a wealth of fascinating information and introductions. This familiarity and understanding will be very helpful in the future. The internet format mostly denies aspiring filmmakers the chance to get into the field.

Accessibility

Remote festivals with digital programming showed how access may be democratized. Now that anybody, wherever, may go, movie lovers can take part in an event they previously couldn’t — at a far lower cost. When you’re far away, not everyone can see things, so it’s wonderful that there’s an internet presence, says producer Mike Drake.

So, as you can see, the perks and disadvantages are almost equal on both sides. You must choose according to your convenience and financial condition. Film festivals might be variable, but one thing is constant: WFCN — where you will find every Upcoming film festivals according to your preference.