ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

10 years, 11 months ago - Jinan C

Hello Shooters,

I've submitted my film to a number of festivals and have just heard back from a small(er) film festival in the UK that would like to accept my film, which I'm delighted about. They have not expressed interest in any premiere status per se.

My dilemma is that I am waiting to hear back from another festival - an international and very established film festival in Europe - which has a preference for premieres (World, International or European) and prioritizes applicants seeking premieres.

So far I have only had a World Premiere for my film, so if I go ahead and accept the UK festival (which is held at around the same time as the European one), it will qualify as both the International AND European premiere, unfortunately.

I wrote to the big European festival and asked them when I would likely hear back, and they said early October. They also said that if I go ahead with the UK festival, my film might still be considered out of competition as a non-premiere. I know there are no guarantees either way, but if I tell them I'm accepting the UK festival, the change in premiere status may put me out of the running (if it doesn't happen anyway).

I really would like advice on how other filmmakers handle these scenarios - I have my own instinct regarding best etiquette, but I'll ask this question anyway:

Is it ever acceptable to write to one festival and conditionally accept their offer, so long as another pending festival doesn't write asking for the premiere, in which case you'll withdraw? I know this seems blatantly bad form, but I really just wanted to ask what is and isn't deemed acceptable.

Perhaps I can ask the small festival in the UK if they can wait for my answer until early October, when I will have heard from the other one?

I don't want to end up without any festival and yet there is a vast difference between the two in terms of the exposure and opportunities they will bring.

Your input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks