Rough Cut
How to Create a Film Festival Strategy
Jun 1, 2022
Samah Ali, a film festival strategist and programmer at top festivals like Hot Docs and DOC NYC, shares her expertise on getting films into festivals. She discusses the importance of premiere status and the differences between submission and solicitation-based festivals. Samah emphasizes building relationships with festival programmers and navigating rejection. Her insights into making a film stand out in a competitive landscape are invaluable for filmmakers looking to maximize their visibility and distribution opportunities.
27:53
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Quick takeaways
- A film festival strategist helps filmmakers align their goals with the right festivals, maximizing exposure and distribution opportunities.
- Understanding festival tiers and building relationships with programmers enhance a filmmaker's chances of success and meaningful networking.
Deep dives
Understanding Film Festival Strategy
A film festival strategist plays a crucial role in guiding filmmakers through the festival process to maximize their project's potential. This includes helping them align their festival applications with their specific goals, whether those are gaining exposure, securing distribution, or building relationships within the industry. Stratégists like Sima Ali emphasize the importance of premiere status, as it can significantly impact a film's visibility and success at larger festivals. By working with a strategist, filmmakers can create a tailored roadmap that optimizes their chances of having their films shown at the most appropriate and beneficial festivals.
