6 steps to maximizing your film festival experience [Part 2 of 3]

So, your film made it into a festival!! Major congrats. That is no easy feat but I hate to break the news… the work has just begun. And if you’re just reading this, make sure to check out PART 1 of the this film festival series “Are film festivals still a place for newcomers to make a name for themselves?” Part two is coming next week!

Whether you’re planning to network, sell your film, or simply get your work in front of fresh eyes, film festivals can feel like a whirlwind. It’s easy to get swept up in the glamour and chaos of it all and leave feeling like, “What just happened?”

But here’s the thing: a film festival is not just about getting in—it's about getting noticed.

And as the marketing girlie for plenty of films that hit the festival circuit. Getting noticed is no east feat. As I mentioned in my last festival post, you’e up against not just fellow newcomers but the studio juggernauts, producers and production companies with massive marketing and sales teams backing them.

But that doesn’t mean your cinderella story is out of reach. We’ve all heard the success stories of filmmakers who sold their projects at Sundance or snagged their dream agent at TIFF but what’s important to remember is that there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes. Festivals have become full-on ecosystems where money, connections, and timing dictate a lot of what happens. So, if you want to make the most of your festival experience, it’s going to take more than just showing up with your film and crossing your fingers.

Here’s how you can actually maximize your time—and maybe even walk away with the attention you deserve.

Step 1: Know the Festival’s True Goals

Let’s start with the basics: Why does a film festival exist? Festivals aren’t just about “celebrating cinema” (even though that’s a cute tagline). They’re businesses. Some festivals exist to break the next big filmmaker, others to showcase industry heavyweights. And then there are those whose focus is on brand partnerships and major sponsorship deals—think Canon, Canada goose and insert whatever other brand-sponsored bar you’re sipping a cocktail at.

Understanding what drives a festival will help you figure out where you fit into that ecosystem. For example, Sundance is known for launching indie films, but its corporate partnerships have expanded massively in recent years. Knowing this helps you tailor your strategy. Is the fest more about big studios or a haven for indie filmmakers? If you’re at a smaller fest, are the buyers and agents present, or is this more about press and local buzz?

You guys know I love a list so I thought categorizing the festivals would be a great jumping off point. I don’t want to say that these are TIERED because I think some of the bigger fests are lost causes for newer filmmakers while some of the smaller can give you a lot more access, time and attention, networking opportunities but maybe not the sale you’re dreaming of.

• The Icons (Sundance, Cannes, Tribeca, TIFF, Venice, Berlin, SXSW): High-profile, competitive festivals that can make your career. A-list actors and directors are everywhere. CAA is hyping up their newest darling. Extremely difficult to get into. There’s a lot of wheeling and dealing because these festivals get loads of submissions through agents, managers and even distributors. This is Ideal for films with commercial potential or strong buzz. This is the place where you could network your dream producers, agents, and buyers.

• Qualifying: If you’re dream is to be in the running for the Oscars, BAFTA, or a Canadian Screen Award - focus your sights on fests like Slamdance, Atlanta Film Festival, Flicker, Cinequest, Ann Arbor, Big Sky. A full list here. The important part of these is that you need to WIN the fest to be in the running.

• Regional Festivals: Twin Cities, Dances with Films, Tailgrass - smaller festivals can offer more intimate networking and might give you a better shot at winning awards or getting recognized and being partnered with programmers who are invested in your success because it will mean more notice of their fest. These festivals can also be specific to genre/niche….

• Niche or Genre-Specific Festivals: If your film has a specific genre (horror, LGBTQ+, animation), aim for festivals that focus on your film’s niche. They may offer a better chance for your work to stand out and reach the right audience. Think BeyondFest, Toronto After Dark, Just For Laughs, LA Comedy Fest. If it’s local in LA or NYC, you may be able to invite an agent or manager to see your film.

Pro tip: Research the festival’s programming from previous years. What types of films succeed there? What names keep showing up? This will help you gauge if you’re in the right place to make the impact you want.

And better than that, know who the programmers are.