ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXFestival Strategy for 20 min Art/Doc project
4 years, 5 months ago - peter mann
Hi
I have recently collaborated with a contemporary artist on a film which is probably best described as an 'artists moving image' project but could also be framed as an 'experimental documentary'. I produced the film with the artist and was also DOP and editor. I have a background in more conventional film but very little as a producer.
I would love any advice on how to approach the festival strategy for a film like ours. Does anyone have experience of whether it is good to be in bigger more conventional festivals or would we would just get lost in them and maybe its much better to focus on less well known festivals which really focus on this type of film making and attract people with the same specific focus.
If anyone has experience of having a festival run with a film of this type I would love to know which festivals they had the best experience with.
We have been selected for IFFR Rotterdam and Visions du Reel in Nyon so far.
Thank you.
Peter
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4 years, 5 months ago - Molly Cowderoy
Hi Peter, congratulations on being selected for IFFR and Visions Du Reel. Can we share this news in the newsletter? And what is the name of the film? In terms of festival strategy, as you've been selected for two acclaimed festivals, you can email other festivals asking for a fee waiver to submit. It's always good to do some research beforehand to see whether the festival screens artist moving image/experimental doc work. Off the top of my head I'd say Fid Marseille, Festival du Nouveau Cinéma Montréal, CPH:DOX, Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival, Frames of Representation, Alchemy and Sheffield Doc/Fest might be good fests to try. Best of luck, Molly
Response from 4 years, 5 months ago - Molly Cowderoy SHOW
4 years, 5 months ago - Huw Wahl
I would imagine Visions and IFFR will open doors for you - other festivals will seek it out because it's been in there, so you may get emails soon asking for screeners.
Other than that it really depends on what the film is about. Search for films that are similarly made or themes and look at their festivals run, you'll find good places by doing that. Often worth emailing more expensive festivals before applying, and ask 'em if its eligable.
Response from 4 years, 5 months ago - Huw Wahl SHOW
4 years, 5 months ago - Huw Wahl
and Molly's recommendations are spot on!
Response from 4 years, 5 months ago - Huw Wahl SHOW
4 years, 5 months ago - peter mann
Hi Molly
Thank you and thanks very much for the suggestions, We have applied for a couple of those and will look into the others. I didnt know about the fee waiver, thats really good to know. I would be very happy for you to put this in your newsletter but I need to wait for Visions du Reel to officially announce the lineup first, which I think is any day now... I will let you know.
It has ben such a strange year for film festivals ! We were selected for Rotterdam but will screen in June (in their pt 2!) rather than being part of the online festival a few weeks ago. So it feels a bit strange saying we were selected for that even though its true !
And Huw thank you too.
Response from 4 years, 5 months ago - peter mann SHOW
4 years, 5 months ago - Huw Wahl
Weird year indeed, and many films backed up waiting to be seen. I hope we can end up with a new mix of more online and accessible stuff, and also real life, life giving, screenings again!
Response from 4 years, 5 months ago - Huw Wahl SHOW