Comprehension for Submission to FilmFestival

Reasons to submit your Short film to a Film Festival

-Ritika Kapoor

The very fact that a filmmaker has completed a short film project gives immense insight into his grit and passion. However, making the film is the relatively easy part. Getting it seen is the challenge. To let the product of your effort see the light, you have to find an audience for it. On the flipside, losing the true essence of a film to the lure of monetary prospects would do grave injustice to the entire process of filmmaking.

A film festival is the bridge across the chasm between the perception of a film as a product to be sold, and as an art to be enjoyed. Film festivals are sheer celebrations of the finest work that the industry has seen. They provide a platform to avid cinema-watchers and filmmakers to share ideas and to catch the eye of a distributor who would give the film a shot at the masses.

For those who think that film festivals are an isolated phenomenon, must get acquainted to the fact that the rapid growth of the internet has allowed thousands to become aware of their existence. Film websites and magazines are affixed with live reviews, coverage and interviews with reckless abandon. They are largely responsible for the fact that such fests record an increasing attendance with each passing year.

The one thing that an official selection in a film festival guarantees is exposure. An official selection ensures that your short film will run in at least one theatre, with one set of audience. A more superficial, yet important way of viewing this is that an official selection forms a visible laurel in a filmmaker’s advertising material, propelling his future endeavours. Consider a distributor who has narrowed down his options to two films for his company to present. More often than not, distributors would prefer a film that has received a vote of confidence from seasoned industry professionals, over something that hasn’t tested its mettle.

“A large part of the film industry is about who you know.” Even though this mundane expression is borderline passé, it bears considerable truth, even for short films. Film festivals provide a worthy opportunity for a filmmaker to embrace his networking style and use it to his advantage. Those who view “networking” through a sticky web of negative connotations should note that it is not restricted to an official work environment. It may be extended to a round of drinks at a bar, or even rock climbing. Basically, it is bonding over whatever two persons are passionate about – films, or otherwise. Through such festivals, a filmmaker may find future collaborators, sales agents and distributors, among genuine connections.

A film festival caters to various masters, one of which is a distributor who is looking to shop for new content and has multiple suitors for his purpose. Engaging a distributor with quality content will give a filmmaker a fair chance at positioning his short film on television and/or VOD platforms, like iTunes.

Critical acclaim forms an integral part of a short filmmaker’s life, even more if he is of modest means. A raving review not only puts a film maker well above the rest of the pack, but also establishes his standing for handling much more complex projects.

If any of the above reasons have still not been able to pique a filmmaker’s interest to enter his short film in a film festival, he should just do it to watch his own product from the point of view of an alien audience. He should gauge how it plays out. Whether or not the scenes he intended to be tear-jerking elicit the right response. Whatever the audience is, a film maker should always note the audience reactions, and be open for feedback wherever possible, for analysis and application in future projects, to yield a more fulfilling result. He should absorb all the wisdom that the industry barons have to give, and acknowledge the inherent worth in substantial discussions with contemporaries, critics and fans about the craft.

For a short filmmaker, a film festival is a chance to show that he is ready to showcase the fruit of his passion in its entirety in front of an anticipating audience. To tread into murky waters is a concrete testament of a filmmaker’s determination to survive in an industry that devours even the slightest competition.