Film Festival Basics

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Film Festivals

Film festivals are great opportunities to view films that you wouldn't necessarily catch at your local multiplex. With the help of the Internet, you can investigate the many types of film festivals. Once you've located your niche, check schedules, purchase tickets, or even watch films online. You'll also learn how to submit your own work to festivals and keep up with film festival news. The only thing you'll have to find on your own is a tight black turtleneck.

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Film Festival Basics

Unless you know exactly what film you want to see at a particular festival, it's worth checking out these sites, which compile information about multiple festivals and keep you updated on industry news. Whether you want to find out which festivals are top-rated or search for a festival in your town, the sites below provide the overviews, databases, and directories you'll need.

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Some film festivals are traveling festivals; you can check online to see what cities the festival is going to.

If you find a festival that interests you but isn't happening for a while, sign up for its e-mail newsletter so you can stay connected as the event approaches.

Some search engines allow you to search for upcoming festivals by month, and others allow you to search by city or country. Others combine both. If you don't find what you're looking for right away, consider employing multiple directories.

Filmmakers who don't know where to submit their material can also take advantage of the sites below to search for suitable competitions.

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For general information ...

Right Angle Studios has links to online festival guides, related articles, and links to top festivals in a number of categories.

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FilmFestivals Entertainment Group is packed with information regarding film festivals. If you're interested in submitting a film to a festival, click on "Deadlines for entry this month." There's also a frequently updated "Headline News" at the bottom.

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The Hollywood Reporter has news and information about major film festivals all over the world. You can subscribe to the site (subscription rates differ for online-only or print and online access), and there's a calendar with upcoming film and art events.

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Animation World Network is a great site which contains information about all things related to animation films and festivals, and an Animation Industry Database (AIDB) you can use to find animators, visual effects, and other animation companies.

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For schedules in the United States and abroad ...

Inside Film Online is a fantastic resource for film festival junkies. The directory of festivals is frequently updated, and you can search for festivals by month or by location.

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IndieFilmaker has an easily searchable database of domestic and international film festivals. You can enter in as many or as few search terms as you desire, including name of festival, month, state, city, or entry deadline. Results typically include festival deadlines, dates, a short synopsis, and contact information.

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FilmMaker magazine has a directory of film festivals. Simply click on one of the festival names, and you'll be able to read about submission deadlines, the date of the festival, and any other pertinent information.

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DocumentaryFilms.net has a fairly comprehensive listing of documentary film festivals, both domestic and abroad. You can also access a larger database of general film festivals. The left-hand side of the site has a large number of links ranging from filmmaker resources to official film sites, to news archives.

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