Worthwhile festivals at DVinfo.net

Cal Thorpe · July 16th, 2006, 11:44 PM

Does anyone have a net resource with a list of top respected film festivals around the world? Thanks!
Cal

Lori Starfelt · July 16th, 2006, 11:58 PM

The tops are Berlin, Cannes, the Hamptons, IFP market, Telluride, Venice, Toronto and Sundance/Slamdance. IndieWire and Film Threat cover a lot of them as well.

If you haven't registered with WithoutaBox - you should. They provide massive amounts of festival info in your email everyday with a heads up as to the deadlines.

http://www.withoutabox.com/v2/

I still find the books available to be a much better resource myself.

John Vincent · August 1st, 2006, 04:44 PM

A lot of what is a good festival, to me, is determined by 4 big factors:

1. How much does it cost to enter it?

Remember there is already the cost of the promotional materials, DVD, postage, etc all adds up even if the entry fee is zero.

2. Will there be any one there who is likely to have an interest in my film?

Many festivals are genre specific. I make horror/sci-fi films, so I generally only try to get into those types of festivals. Many of the bigger festivals look down on certain types of films, so watch out.

3. Am I likely to win anything at the festival?

Again, this relates to question 2. If you've made an amazing film, show it everywhere. If you've made something good and sellable, but not quite great, stick to a festival you have a chance at (a smaller or more genre specific one).

4. Am I likely to actually attend the event if accepted?

Your presence at these things helps a lot, not in small measure due to the fact that you can go out and drink w/the people who actually matter - they can put a face on the film. Plus, its also fun to go and meet and great other film makers.

So that's my advise - hope it helps -

john
evilgeniusentertainment.com

July 16th, 2006, 11:44 PM	#1
Cal Thorpe Regular Crew Join Date: May 2006 Location: United States Posts: 31	Worthwhile festivals Does anyone have a net resource with a list of top respected film festivals around the world? Thanks! Cal

July 16th, 2006, 11:58 PM	#2
Lori Starfelt Major Player Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Los Angeles, california Posts: 228	It's an individual thing, y'know. The tops are Berlin, Cannes, the Hamptons, IFP market, Telluride, Venice, Toronto and Sundance/Slamdance. IndieWire and Film Threat cover a lot of them as well. If you haven't registered with WithoutaBox - you should. They provide massive amounts of festival info in your email everyday with a heads up as to the deadlines. http://www.withoutabox.com/v2/ I still find the books available to be a much better resource myself.

August 1st, 2006, 04:44 PM	#3
John Vincent Trustee Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 1,065	A lot of what is a good festival, to me, is determined by 4 big factors: 1. How much does it cost to enter it? Remember there is already the cost of the promotional materials, DVD, postage, etc all adds up even if the entry fee is zero. 2. Will there be any one there who is likely to have an interest in my film? Many festivals are genre specific. I make horror/sci-fi films, so I generally only try to get into those types of festivals. Many of the bigger festivals look down on certain types of films, so watch out. 3. Am I likely to win anything at the festival? Again, this relates to question 2. If you've made an amazing film, show it everywhere. If you've made something good and sellable, but not quite great, stick to a festival you have a chance at (a smaller or more genre specific one). 4. Am I likely to actually attend the event if accepted? Your presence at these things helps a lot, not in small measure due to the fact that you can go out and drink w/the people who actually matter - they can put a face on the film. Plus, its also fun to go and meet and great other film makers. So that's my advise - hope it helps - john evilgeniusentertainment.com