What is the process for an unknown filmmaker to get their movie into a film festival? How long does it typically take for a submission to be accepted?

1. Online Searches

Using Google as a trusted search engine is the primary way to look for film festivals near your region.

2. Film Festival Directories

It is possible to find film festivals near your region by going through websites like WFCN, FilmFreeway and Film Festival Life. These websites are platforms that presents a list of film festivals worldwide.

3. Social Media

Film festival organizers often share updates and interact with the film festival communities. It is advisable to keep a keen eye on the social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for local film festival pages or groups.

4. Film Organizations and Institutes

Film organizations, film institutes, cinema clubs have updated information on upcoming film festivals or events. Keeping in touch with such institutes will help you find and visit film festivals in your region. Film schools and institutions often compete in film festivals. Scrolling through their websites and contacting their film departments will help you keep updated on the local film festivals.

5. Community Centers and Cinemas

Local community centers, art galleries often host or promote film festivals. Visiting such places will provide you accurate information about an upcoming film festival. Checking with the local cinemas and theatres will also be helpful as they might promote film festivals or have accurate and updated information on upcoming film festivals or events.

6. Local Arts and Cultural Websites

Local arts and cultural websites frequently feature information about upcoming film festivals or events. Scrolling through their websites will help you find local film festivals in your region.

7. Local Newspaper and Magazines

Alternative press, magazines and local newspapers frequently highlights feature announcements or articles about local film festivals. Monitoring these media sources will also be a valuable resource in finding a film festival in your region.

8. Networking with Filmmakers.

It is highly advisable to stay connected with nearby filmmakers or film industry professionals and exchanging ideas with such professionals can provide valuable insights on the upcoming film festivals. Attending local film festivals, workshops and networking events will provide an indispensable platform to know more about film festivals that takes place in your region.

Film festivals receive a high volume of submissions, especially the prestigious ones. This can lead to longer waiting times for them to review your film. Each festival has its own process for screening submissions. Some might have multiple rounds of reviewing, which can add to the waiting time. Short films generally have a quicker turnaround time compared to feature-length films.

Film festivals typically announce their decisions anywhere between 4-12 weeks after the submission deadline.