We asked 4 award-winning filmmakers for their words of wisdom on submitting to film festivals and calls for entries…
Above photo by Joel Muniz, Los Angeles. Follow @infraredla @joelmuniz_
4 Inspiring Pieces of Advice from Indie Filmmakers on Submitting to Film Festivals
“All I would say is do not even think about any awards or prestige because as a creative person, if that’s what you’re after then you’re not coming from a genuine place. Remember that karma is results of intentions. So stay true to yourselves and try to create projects that speak for who you are as a person. I don’t think there’s any award out there that’d give you the sense of accomplishment like when you’re part of a team creating something genuine. To me, that sense of accomplishment, no matter how small or big the project is, is the award. Sure it would’ve been nice if we had taken the Golden Leopard home from Switzerland, but I don’t think we’d be any more proud of the project than we already are. Certainly wouldn’t make us feel we’re anymore as a person than who we are now.”
~Radium Cheung, HKSC
“Submit wisely. Everyone is trying to make money so there are thousands of festivals and this can get very expensive. Really try to find ones that your style of film will have a chance in. Also research the festival a bit. See if it’s legit or just some people trying to make money.”
~Ryan Pickett
“One thing I’ve learned about this is to be persistent. Before winning first place in the three video contests, I made a video which was ranked nearly last in another contest. ‘Only Way Out’ was also rejected by many other festivals so I’ve seen that even if some people think your film isn’t good, there may be other places which like it.”
~David Daudelin
“Look at your idea and really ask yourself, how can I present this in a way that has not been overdone? Really look at every angle and put your personal stamp on it. I also think that often times contest submissions for young filmmakers will excel in one of two areas: Production Value or Story. I see a lot of films, including my own, that excel in one but not the other. You could have the most amazing production value, but if the story falls flat, you won’t get far. For me, the story comes first.”
~Barry Teitelbaum
