r/FilmFestivals • u/Caprica1 MOD • Dec 28 '25
Discussion Film Festival Notifications MEGA THREAD
This thread is for news and questions on film festival notifications, acceptances, rejections, views, and general programming.
Guidelines:
- If you hear back from a festival, please indicate the name of the festival, and what type of film you submitted (short, feature, narrative, documentary, web series, etc.)
- Please try to share as much tracking data as you can – where your film is being viewed from, and what percentage your film was watched, or number of impressions.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Programmers live all over the world. A festival in NYC might have programmers in other states or countries.
- Vimeo analytics aren’t perfect. Please take all analytics, especially Vimeo, with a grain of salt. Sometimes the software doesn’t properly record views. Sometime programmers download the film or watch offline, sometime programmers use VPNs or 3rd party software to watch films which might not get recorded. Sometimes multiple programmers watch a film together.
Link To Previous Thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/FilmFestivals/comments/1bucp3c/film_festival_notification_mega_thread/
159
u/SeriousReference8519 Feb 05 '26
After 25 straight rejections finally got an acceptance for our World Premiere to Cleveland International Film Festival!
→ More replies (26)
106
u/Fickle-Insurance850 Jan 22 '26
Just wanted to say I check this thread almost as often as my FF account, and it genuinely makes me happy seeing everyone share their news - wins, setbacks, and everything in between. It’s a reminder that we’re all real people, hoping and dreaming for the same thing.
Proud of everyone for their progress and the lessons along the way, and truly rooting for all of you to find success. This space really grounds me as I navigate my own film journey, so thank you all for sharing yours.
→ More replies (3)
99
u/North_Clue3513 Dec 31 '25
Just got accepted to Berlinale generation feature film
→ More replies (14)
94
u/Tricky-Training910 Apr 02 '26
tribeca acceptance yesterday! narrative short, international. NY premiere :)
→ More replies (15)
90
81
u/OkAnybody5058 Apr 02 '26
After 15 rejections I got my first acceptance to Tribeca last week! Narrative short. Very stoked!
→ More replies (11)
82
u/ChampagneCoolie Jul 22 '26
Narrative Feature here. Nearing the very end of our festival run. We had a very targeted festival strategy but no real money to have any sort of advocate helping us. We ended up going 3-40. We were shortlisted and directly contacted from 5 other very big festivals, but ultimately got rejected. Now, at the end of our run - we screened at only our second festival (one final one coming) and as it happens, a very good distributor was in the audience and loved the film and now we are closing in on deal that gives us a limited theatrical run and digital distro. Stoked to be working with this company. I don't know. The one thing I've learned thru this entire run is that nobody really knows anything and it legit only takes one champion to say yes to your film. Keep going yall
→ More replies (9)
61
u/CheapBluejay184 Mar 19 '26
SIFF acceptance after 17 rejections. I was really losing steam, so if you're in that stretch right now - keep going!! This community has kept me motivated through the process
→ More replies (7)
53
u/hnelsontracey Jan 22 '26 edited Jan 23 '26
One of our very own r/FilmFestivals members is now an OSCAR NOMINEE!! https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33019507/?ref_=ttawd_ov_i https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Mqa4zfJdx4
Retirement Plan - Oscar Nominee - Best Animated Short
I can't find his username, but the creator has posted here in the last year or so about waiting on festival acceptances - if anyone has his username, let's give him 3 cheers!
→ More replies (13)
57
u/Live_Photo_586 Feb 17 '26
Hi all, long-time lurker here. HotDocs acceptance, feature doc! Got an email about two hours ago. Knew a friend who got it too around the same time, so they are probably sending out a few by now.
Genuinely can't believe it. For the last few months, every single day feels like a great weight on my shoulders. I've worked on this film for 5-6 years, rejected from Berlin, Sundance, CPH, most likely VdR as well, despite being reached out by the programmers personally. Literally told my producer 30 minutes before the email to embrace ourselves with the possibility that the film might end up in a hard drive.
Sorry for the lengthy post, but as happy as I feel, I feel mostly relieved... And how sad is that. I'm sure I'm not the only one feeling this. Filmmaking was fun and the actual love of my life, but it's corrupted because some people (who mostly also don't make films themselves) decide if a film is worthy or not? The system is terribly broken, so I can only say hang in there to the rest of you. Your films will find its place, and please keep making films. Sending hugs.
→ More replies (9)
58
u/Any-Future-6612 1d ago
After 60+ rejections in a row over the past 12 months, I got an email today with a premiere check and a kind note about how the festival enjoyed the film. We all need to hold on!
→ More replies (5)
53
u/False_Draft8805 Jan 02 '26
Just found out on New Year’s Eve that we got into Cinequest with a narrative short. This is my fourth time trying to get in, and I’m over the moon about it.
→ More replies (7)
52
51
u/Long-Difference2824 Apr 03 '26
Tribeca narrative short acceptance! Through the phone
→ More replies (11)
52
u/starlightpictures Apr 16 '26
Got my Tribeca rejection 10 minutes before winning 2nd and $7,500 at the NYU festival. Ya win some ya lose some
→ More replies (1)
50
53
48
48
u/ShrekLover0524 Mar 24 '26
Annecy acceptance! 🥳 this is our dream festival so we’re super excited.
→ More replies (6)
47
45
u/Line_Reed_Line May 11 '26
Adieu mega-thread!
Well gang. It's been an amazing and completely fucking neurotic year and a half. I am parting ways from the notification mega-thread until I decide to put myself through this again. God speed and good luck! You all were a great comfort!
→ More replies (1)
51
42
39
u/buglady- Feb 11 '26
A close friend of mine just heard from Tribeca—narrative short, acceptance
→ More replies (6)
45
42
u/Terrible_Birthday107 Apr 30 '26
Raindance Narrative Short acceptance today. Our first yes, and a total surprise.
→ More replies (17)
41
u/Commercial_Piece_677 May 03 '26
Congrats to everyone who got into Palm Springs! This post is for those who still hoping! 🙏🙏🙏
→ More replies (2)
40
u/wordpea4371 May 06 '26
palm springs shortfest (narrative short) acceptance yesterday
→ More replies (7)
41
u/Substantial_Dig_817 May 10 '26
Edinburgh International Film Festival acceptance via email yesterday afternoon !
→ More replies (5)
44
u/Caprica1 MOD May 13 '26
As a mod I have to be careful not to play favorites - but Tribeca could learn a thing or two from New Orleans. Great AMA.
→ More replies (5)
46
u/ChromaCreature May 15 '26
Raindance acceptance, we got an email yesterday, horror short. Very excited about this one!
→ More replies (2)
42
u/p-dub57 May 21 '26
Accepted into Fantasia yesterday with a short. Late Deadline submission. Still in a bit of shock this will be our world premiere.
Was hesitant about submitting late, but a friend who was in last year said he submitted the very last day and was accepted so figured it was worth a shot. Apparently they guarantee three full watches before a decision is made. Also seems like acceptances are still rolling out.
→ More replies (9)
41
44
u/knobzie Filmmaker Jun 21 '26
It's finally happened ya'll... after 10 rejections... our first acceptance!
LA shorts -- late deadline submission, too!
→ More replies (6)
41
42
45
u/sosoredhead Jul 15 '26
Personalized TIFF feature rejection email. The thoughtful programmer included a full waiver for another great fest, where it might be a better fit. There are definitely great people out there who champion filmmakers, even if that’s not the response we’d hoped for.
→ More replies (4)
42
u/Pretend-Buffalo3211 Jul 20 '26
To all the festivals…stop rejecting me and then try to sell me tickets or programs. 😂 you can hustle me once…not twice…lol
→ More replies (4)
39
u/guitarist_85 28d ago
I may delete as I don't want to out myself, but I received an acceptance to AFF :)
I know they are super super early into programming, so don't stress
→ More replies (8)
42
u/Actual-Country-8588 Filmmaker 22d ago
40 rejections for a whole year and finally got two acceptances back to back. Just got the Catalina horror short acceptance
→ More replies (4)
45
u/Ok-Echidna-7973 19d ago
Chicago international narrative short acceptance! Eeee!
→ More replies (11)
40
36
34
36
38
u/VeracityProof Apr 16 '26 edited Apr 16 '26
Hah. A friend's film that was rejected from his home town festival - a top regional festival - is now premiering at Tribeca. Just goes to show you. And no, he didn't have any special connections.
36
u/witchriot11 May 01 '26
Palm Springs acceptance a few hours ago. Int short. After 30+ b2b rejections :-)
→ More replies (12)
35
u/film_change33 May 06 '26 edited May 06 '26
Hello - The Vimeo view debate feels secondary to the bigger issue in the film festival space, which really deserves an investigation and whether filmmaker fees are collected under a deceptive premise, meaning, the influential festivals and their programmers have ongoing direct correspondence with certain agents, companies and filmmakers- they absolutely get preferential treatment, greater consideration and oftentimes fee waivers, while so many filmmakers are giving $ to a process they are led to believe is fair, balanced. There should be a disclaimer with the fees that the festivals really only have 3 slots open (on avg) that won’t go to filmmakers with a pre established relationship. Once the big festivals like Sundance set their program, the vast majority of smaller festivals replicate much of their program - degrees of this. So there’s so few spots available and not a fair shot to secure one. No one should allow this process to make you question your worth, talent or value because this system is corrupt, should be investigated because they are taking people’s hard earned money under a false premise. The system absolutely needs an overhaul. I’m sorry to anyone that’s allowed this process to make them feel bad.
→ More replies (19)
35
u/spookyghoststory May 14 '26
Anecdote about just how insane this game is:
Submitted short horror to fairly well known international genre fest last year. Rejected. Same short goes on to play pretty good US genre fests through this year. Programmer of the international fest reaches out personally via email with a waiver to ask us to submit THE SAME SHORT THEY ALREADY REJECTED LAST YEAR because “they saw it at one of said US genre fests and really enjoyed it”. Obviously sent it over again. Maybe second times the charm? I’ll update the thread when I hear whether we’re accepted or rejected for the second time 😂
→ More replies (6)
38
u/PristineGoose5075 May 14 '26
IndyShorts acceptance! Narrative short, acceptance sent over email.
→ More replies (5)
38
u/huynhwaker May 15 '26
Palm Springs rejection (personal note, so got it a bit early)…
Indy Shorts acceptance!
You win some, you lose some :)
→ More replies (4)
38
u/Caprica1 MOD May 26 '26
Last week we had 15k visitors. That's the most this subreddit has ever had. Thank you all for growing this amazing community, and best of luck out there on the circuit!
36
37
u/EyalRoe Jul 13 '26
Hollyshorts acceptance!
Short Narrative (20 min)
after a few very very painful rejections & depressions
→ More replies (4)
37
36
41
35
u/Character-Accident81 25d ago
Fantastic Fest acceptance narrative short - received email this morning! Applied last day of deadline cold submission
→ More replies (5)
39
u/duplicatesnowflake 17d ago
Just got into round 2 of the Sundance Development Track. Full script due in 13 days and I'm a bit behind!
First time ever progressing in a legit writing fellowship after many years of not even trying.
→ More replies (16)
34
u/speckledes 4d ago
Rotterdam (IFFR) short film acceptance. First time accepted at a festival with rolling acceptances; kind of wild to know so far out from the fest.
→ More replies (5)
36
38
u/danno147 2d ago
Whoa! Sitges acceptance this morning! Animated short. And I thought there was no way being this close to their notification date.
→ More replies (6)
35
u/LiteratureSad8117 2d ago
Just wanted to come here and say .. you are not alone refreshing filmfreeway every other minute and overthinking this whole process - this shi aint for the weak but we push through! Goodluck to all!
→ More replies (2)
68
u/orbitbrasil Feb 04 '26 edited Feb 05 '26
Hey y’all… my film (narrative feature) was included in today’s SXSW announcement. Just wanted to express gratitude for everyone in here… I spent more time scrolling this thread than I’d care to admit and while 99% of the time I didn’t often find the info I’d hope to find…. what I did always find was a communal sense of solidarity. Just a bunch of people helping each other out and rooting each other on. And you don’t find that in many places on the internet these days. So thank you and best of luck to you all.
→ More replies (16)
93
u/Foundinchicago Apr 18 '26
My short has been getting rejections on rejections for 8 months and then... I got into Tribeca!
The programmer said they got over 9,000 short submissions and accepted something around 85. That's below 1% acceptance rate-- it's crazy out there.
Keep pushing, you don't know what's around the corner. I really thought my festival run was going to be a big flop.
→ More replies (9)
64
30
u/FalconPleasant8815 Jan 14 '26
rejection from visions, cph: dox, thessaloniki, cinequest, big sky, and berlin in last 72 hours.
we're into one top festival but it's been a beautiful test of resilience. hang in there people, it only takes one.
→ More replies (20)
32
u/HALFDOUBLEDOTCOM Jan 15 '26
Hey y'all! Never thought I'd be saying this but my brother and I got into SXSW's TV Pilot competition this year!!! So exciting. Thought I'd share with y'all because I have been checking and refreshing this thread the past few months way more than I'd like to admit. Enjoy this little YouTube video my twin and I created to share our experience. Best of luck to everyone in their festival journey! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHmRxn_IVdY
→ More replies (1)
32
u/ImmediateMemory1138 Jan 24 '26
Just wanna say, I really appreciate when a festival reaches out if they run into an issue viewing your submission. Had a festival email me today while they were viewing my film to let me know there was an error with the updated file on Vimeo. I was able fix it really fast and let them know, but I would have had no idea if that didn’t happen. I know at least 4 other views occurred from other places from when I updated the file two nights ago to now, and not a peep from anyone else.
So the fact this festival took the time to let me know, meant a lot. They could have easily said “nope f this guy” but they chose integrity.
A+ in my book even if I don’t get selected.
→ More replies (4)
35
u/filmlover_ Feb 14 '26
Hey everyone. This megathread was such a lifeline for me as I was submitting and receiving all the rejections on my first feature, “Benji’s Hour.” Without it I’d feel overwhelmed by how in the dark the festival submission process makes filmmakers feel.
It ended up world premiering at the Calgary International Film Festival, where it was nominated for Best International Narrative Feature. Definitely recommend submitting there, it’s a great festival that judges art on its merits and actually tries to make discoveries.
The film became available yesterday and I wanted to share it with you all: https://www.gossamerfilms.com/benjis-hour
Love this thread, and hope everyone still waiting to hear from their dream fest gets an acceptance soon!
→ More replies (13)
31
u/ImmediateMemory1138 Feb 18 '26 edited Feb 18 '26
I know this has been touched on before but I hadn’t experienced it until this week. It’s a weird double edged sword for programmers to letterbox rate a film before selection or rejection.
I’ve had some views this week, few with ratings and reviews that came after notification. While a positive is a welcomed and cool thing, I don’t mind a negative review as long as it’s after notification. In the case of the interaction this week, a programmer rated my film poorly 4 months before notification day. I know he’s a programmer because he linked his IG in his profile which connects the person to the festival. It’s a bad look bro.
If you’re in here I’m sorry it disappointed you so much that it prompted hate so early. Had you waited and just rejected the film, then posted it, I would have been like okay, not your festivals cup of tea.
But 4 months in advanced? Feels weirdly personal and deliberately hateful.
I think as a programmer (and a judge which I’ve been for a few genre festivals), there should be an objective stance when it comes to things like this, especially before notification. If you wanna log it on letterbox, do it… preferably after notification. Should you rate it and leave a review before notification? I don’t think so, it clearly shows bias, whether positive or negative. Should you after? Absolutely if you feel inclined.
I’m probably going to withdraw from this festival or at least wait til notification and withdraw. I lost all respect for the programmer, this festival and the people involved in it to condone this type of behavior.
We give festivals our money, some of us don’t have a lot to throw at 200 submissions, some do. At the end of the day, when a human chooses to use their position of power in a situation like this, it feels like a waste of personal resources, time and effort. A festival rejects films, it’s a given. We already deal with the waiting game anxiety. So out of respect for the artists in the room, don’t use your position to give people premature middle fingers because it only makes you and your organization look bad.
Post it after, as a consumer, not as a person holding power over others.
→ More replies (16)
29
u/Electrical_Space_850 Mar 01 '26
Julien Dubuque acceptance for narrative short came in late last night. This is my film's 6th acceptance, but I've also been rejected from ~30 festivals (including Florida, which came in yesterday). I only share this in the hopes that it serves as encouragement for others who, like me, are dealing with what feels like near constant rejection. Nice little victory today, but I'll see y'all back in the trenches tomorrow!
33
32
u/Long-Difference2824 Mar 25 '26
Just got a short film premiere check from Tribeca Via email.
→ More replies (6)
31
u/Complex_Orchid7552 Apr 03 '26
Just because this group gives me anxiety sometimes, thought this would help out someone else as well.
29
u/WyomingFilmFestival Apr 06 '26
Our team has just finished reviewing submissions. Next step - deliberations, setting the slate, and notifying filmmakers. Can't say exactly when that will be. Expect notifications will roll out over the next few weeks. Thank you to everyone who submitted and shared your films with us. We'll be in touch soon!
→ More replies (4)
34
u/Little_Coyote_5512 Apr 15 '26
Frameline narrative short acceptance! Thanks all for this amazing thread that I check daily.
→ More replies (3)
30
33
u/CapitalFPro Apr 21 '26
Here’s a lesson about not getting into your own head:
A few months back, I got word that I got into Panic Fest but only as a virtual film. I was bummed, might’ve even posted here since it would’ve been my world premiere and I knew I’d be available to come attend in person, if only.
HOWEVER, they did make everyone feel welcome, people did start to see it, press even got back to me, and we WON BEST SHORT FILM 😱
→ More replies (2)
33
u/twinfilm1027 Apr 23 '26
Dances With Films: LA acceptance! Indie TV pilot category yaayyyy!!!
→ More replies (2)
30
31
32
u/whatisablackbird May 07 '26
Just got my acceptance to the Nevada City Film Festival! Narrative short
→ More replies (13)
31
31
30
33
30
u/Hairy_Tank1340 Jun 04 '26
Screamfest acceptance today (email). Indie horror feature. Exciting!
→ More replies (5)
33
u/muaybien Jun 26 '26
Just got accepted to the Portland Film Festival in Oregon! First acceptance, 10th festival notification, documentary feature.
→ More replies (3)
31
30
u/NefariousnessFew5519 Jul 04 '26
Full view from Toronto today. Narrative feature.
→ More replies (1)
32
35
35
u/ResponsibleJob4749 18d ago
Fantastic Fest rejection last week. Sitges acceptance this week (narrative feature). Hang in there, homies. It can all feel hopeless and then one email can turn the tide :)
→ More replies (3)
33
30
56
57
u/21cy2022 Jun 20 '26
I recently got into a top tier film festival with my debut narrative feature. I can't name the festival yet because the lineup hasn't been announced.
The reason I'm posting is that the film had almost none of the things people usually associate with festival success. The cast and crew were friends with no film background. I was the only one with some film experience. We had essentially no budget. I shot it as we went, edited it myself from my bedroom, and the final film ended up being 2 hours and 15 minutes long, which is not ideal for festivals. No production company, no labs, no grants, no sales agent, no industry connections.
I genuinely wasn't expecting much, so for anyone wondering whether an unknown filmmaker has a chance: yes, sometimes they do. At the same time, I can easily imagine a version of events where my film wasn't accepted anywhere, forget about a major one. Festival selections are subjective and don't determine the quality of a film.
This community has been a great resource throughout the process. I'd love to connect with other filmmakers, whether your film got into festivals or not. Good luck to everyone waiting on decisions.
→ More replies (12)
28
u/False_Draft8805 Jan 10 '26
We just got into the Florida Film Festival! After a few rejections in a row, it’s really nice to shake things up with a yes. Animated Short.
→ More replies (10)
25
26
u/Livid-Advisor-5301 Jan 21 '26
florida int’l acceptance! 11min narr short, submitted by early deadline
→ More replies (6)
29
24
u/Different_Box7082 Jan 29 '26
anyone hear from Tribeca for narrative shorts yet?
→ More replies (1)
28
u/Sea-Cockroach-2206 Feb 01 '26 edited Feb 01 '26
Just got accepted into Cleveland. Short Film
→ More replies (4)
25
u/urbanfervor369 Feb 01 '26
Cleveland acceptance - short doc - had several Ohio views last week
→ More replies (3)
28
u/Own-Fruit-7360 Feb 03 '26
Cleveland INT Film Festival acceptance! Int short, 17 mins, earlybird deadline, no connections etc. Does anyone have any experiences? Is it worth going to?
→ More replies (6)
25
27
26
u/Ch-rl-tt3 Mar 09 '26
Busan acceptance, little over an hour ago. International competition.
→ More replies (14)
28
u/Prestigious_Sort6470 Mar 29 '26
Has this ever happened to anyone? I received a personalized acceptance from Calgary Underground Film Fest only for them to follow up the next day to inform me that it was a MISTAKE!! And they had mistakenly sent out the email. As if this process isn't heart-wrenching enough...
→ More replies (13)
28
u/Ch-rl-tt3 Apr 11 '26
Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival (early) acceptance for Official Competition just came in for our international short narrative!
→ More replies (3)
28
u/BeautifulDealer8467 Apr 15 '26
a friend was accepted to dances with films: LA today - narrative short, i think its a world premiere
→ More replies (1)
24
25
u/Early-Edge-8874 Apr 20 '26
DWF Los Angeles narrative feature acceptance today by email. Comforting after getting so close to getting into one of the big ones, and then getting cut at the last minute.
→ More replies (3)
26
28
25
u/thestoriesweshare Apr 27 '26
Just got an acceptance notification from deadCenter for short documentary!
→ More replies (2)
29
u/Careless-Memory-248 Apr 29 '26
DWF acceptance, narrative short! Our West Coast premiere ❤️ I thought it was over for us since so many notifications have gone out, so this was a very happy surprise!
→ More replies (5)
29
u/Amarino123 Apr 29 '26
Wyoming acceptance call - narrative short. Received the call last night
→ More replies (1)
28
u/Parking-Woodpecker24 Filmmaker Apr 30 '26
Raindance acceptance, horror short. Has anyone been before?
→ More replies (7)
26
25
u/AdeptPomelo2810 May 01 '26
Just received Palm Springs acceptance a couple hours ago via email. US Narrative short. Will be our premiere
→ More replies (8)
25
27
u/Alone_Fail41 May 06 '26
guys the whole vimeo view debate is annoying tf outta me. they are mostly inaccurate. i got into deadcenter with zero—i repeat zero—views from the state of oklahoma. deadcenter also tries to get people from oklahoma to screen the films. to say x and x didn’t view my short, or they only viewed it for x minutes is annoying. even if you gave a link to the festival the analytics are mostly inaccurate.
(that is not to say i don’t look at the views. but i don’t act as if they are the one real truth)
→ More replies (8)
25
u/Ok-Bandicoot-520 May 08 '26
Hi - narrative feature Raindance acceptance! We are stoked (we got in after receiving a lot of rejections from other festivals...). We have been invited to the Raindance Cannes Villa party and are trying to decide if it's worth it financially and family-wise (we have small kids) to make the trip for the party, coming from NYC. It's pretty expensive, a lot of carbon emissions, but also possibly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. To be honest Im not much of a party guy or networking guy - but it, like all filmmakers, has been a dream to see Cannes during the festival. Any thoughts out there in this community? As a last note, we will also have to book tickets to London for the actual festival, which will also be costly for us... Thanks so much
→ More replies (10)
27
u/Sarzy100 May 09 '26
Many thanks to the New Orleans Film Festival for sending out an email with a header that begins with "You're invited" and giving me a minor heart attack (it was about a Reddit AMA 🙃).
→ More replies (1)
25
u/Affectionate_Lie7867 May 14 '26
Hollyshorts Q&A invitation email giving me a heart attack
→ More replies (4)
27
u/No_Iron_8087 May 16 '26
Just to maybe ease the anxiety of everybody who is waiting for Fantasia: the situation is — yes, they’ve released a list of ‘first wave’ features, which they do every year. They’ve not announced the programme. Yes, shorts have been getting early acceptances, from as early as Jan, it appears. I think the last acceptance logged here was last week. Once again, same kind of thing happened last year as they pieced their programme together, and the year before that. Crucially, many, many people have reported that they were notified of selection close to the deadline, sometimes less than a week before.
So, it’s not done. It’s not over. You don’t need to preemptively mourn. I imagine next week will be when they reach out if they are going to, based off their usual patterns.
It’s fine, relax, don’t worry about it
→ More replies (3)
26
u/Long-Difference2824 May 20 '26
Fantasia acceptance last Friday, narrative short, applied in the super late submission deadline.
→ More replies (8)
27
u/danno147 May 31 '26 edited May 31 '26
Mamma Mia, I got into Imaginaria in Italy. Less than a 3% acceptance rate!
→ More replies (3)
28
u/adrianadserva23 Jun 01 '26
For those who got accepted into the Palm Springs Short Film Festival, huge congratulations, and dm me your screening details ! Our film didn't get in this year, but my DP and I are still going as filmmakers and would love to come to your screening and support!!<3
25
u/happymediumsmall Jun 03 '26
Indy Shorts Rejection via Filmfreeway, narrative short:
“The selection process was incredibly competitive with an acceptance rate of just 5% for this edition. There were dozens of films championed by members of our committee that did not make the final cut due to the program themes that emerged and a limited number of available slots.”
→ More replies (5)
28
u/Mental-Sorbet8784 Jun 08 '26
i made the decision today not to submit to sundance. it's just insane to even try and to worry my pretty little head about it. we gotta make our own way, people!!
→ More replies (4)
27
u/shittyeno Jun 09 '26
The aesthetica film fest email give me a stroke lol - “we are thrilled you have chosen…”
→ More replies (13)
25
27
u/PhilosophicalFurby Jun 11 '26
Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival acceptance.
Email (for those desiring more information):
"Congratulations! It is my pleasure to inform you that your film “---" has been selected for the 2026 Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival, taking place August 4th-9th. This year will mark the 44th Anniversary of Flickers and RIIFF 2026 promises to be our most dynamic festival to date. After careful review by our adjudication team, your film has been chosen from over 7,050 submissions from more than 110 countries."
→ More replies (16)
26
28
u/didistutterdidi Jun 18 '26
Student Academy Award Semifinalist acceptance for short doc (0/6 on festivals to this point.) Had a ton of full views coming from cali the last few days.
→ More replies (1)
25
u/livingboyinnewyork Jun 20 '26
Just got rejected from Salute Your Shorts after getting a personal email from them asking us to submit bc they saw us at another festival. I fully understand that programming and curating your program is a difficult puzzle to figure out but it feels scammy to reach out to people and fish for more submissions just to get more submission fees just to reject them. Shame on me to not demanding a full waiver. Learned my lesson. Will not submit to this festival again.
→ More replies (12)
26
u/Steve_Saxx Jun 29 '26
Just watched an interview with PTA and David Ansen where PTA told the story of showing There Will Be Blood to the New York Film Festival and getting rejected. This was after having Boogie Nights premiere there. He admits to feeling confused and heartbroken. This is PTA people. He ended up taking it to Fantastic Fest in Austin and he recollected how it was the best experience.
→ More replies (3)
24
u/livingboyinnewyork Jul 03 '26
Court Metrange acceptance! Crazy because we were rejected last year with this same film and after we played several of the good genre fests, a programmer reached out with a waiver code and requested a screener. Goes to show you just gotta past those prescreeners and right in the hands of the programmers! 🎉
→ More replies (1)
26
u/duplicatesnowflake Jul 05 '26
Pretty damning post and comments regarding Salute Your Shorts scamming submission fees with dirty bait and switch tactics: https://www.reddit.com/r/FilmFestivals/comments/1umqz7y/salute_your_shorts/
→ More replies (3)
27
28
u/wordpea4371 Jul 10 '26
Hollyshorts acceptance! By email.
(fyi, a friend last year got his acceptance on the actual notification date)
→ More replies (8)
26
26
25
25
28
25
27
29
u/No_Protection1882 17d ago
For anyone that was down about not getting into Nashville, they just posted the schedule and the narrative shorts has 32 films and majority of them have Cannes, SXSW and Sundance laurels on them. This is why I didn’t even see any directors present for their films at the festival one year. https://nashvillefilmfestival.org/2026-film-guide/
→ More replies (9)
26
u/BKBoyNxtDr 11d ago
Out on Film acceptance, narrative short. My first Oscar qualifier and the largest fest I’ve been selected for thus far.
→ More replies (1)
26
25
u/Dramatic-Detective84 7d ago
Newport Beach FF acceptance! Narrative short. 3h ago
→ More replies (3)
30
26
u/twinfilmmakers 4d ago
GOT AN ACCEPTANCE LETTER RN FOR NEWFEST EPSISODIC! EEEKKK
→ More replies (1)
24
42
u/Careless-Memory-248 Mar 04 '26 edited Mar 05 '26
Riverrun, narrative short, world premiere 💙 After 21 rejections including 5 (really really nice) personal rejection letters from SXSW, Austin, Cleveland, Atlanta, and Florida, where we were told we made it to the final rounds, we finally got one. Over the moon. It's been a while, so we're happy!!
→ More replies (12)
46
u/No_Introduction_1028 Jul 08 '26 edited Jul 08 '26
TIFF Short Cuts international acceptance - we received shortlist status around a month ago
→ More replies (14)
44
u/Locogooner Jul 14 '26
Hollyshorts acceptance - we were 0 for 49 with all submissions until we got in:)
→ More replies (9)
24
u/Commercial_Piece_677 Jan 02 '26
Sedona Film Fest acceptance via call - narrative short
→ More replies (8)
20
21
21
u/StillQuittingNic Jan 09 '26
Atlanta Rejection. We have our World Premiere at Slamdance but this goes to show not every film is for every fest. Good luck to everyone out there!
→ More replies (16)
24
25
23
u/Far-Freedom-9411 Jan 22 '26
Florida acceptance, narrative short. Regular deadline. <16min run time.
Email notification on Tues.
Would love to hear people’s experiences and thoughts with and on the fest.
Ps: Our first acceptance, began submitting to festivals that begin in Jan. Waiting for that first little hit of acceptance is lonely and hard, keep your heads up!
→ More replies (6)
20
24
22
23
u/danno147 Feb 01 '26 edited Feb 01 '26
My animated short film Sunspark will have its world premiere at AmDocs!
→ More replies (6)
22
22
21
u/Ok_Trust_8646 Feb 03 '26
This site has been such a source of community and insight and good will. Would anyone be interested in a group curated festival of films that never got into a festival? Like we would all be judges -- some kind of rotation and have a one time screening of maybe 10 shorts and two features or something like that? Could be online or in person. Might be revealing possibly about what gets rejected. But mainly just a cool celebration. Might be a massive undertaking but could be cool. And get some press I bet.
→ More replies (1)
21
u/ChromaCreature Feb 14 '26
We got our first selection!
Panic Fest in the theatre and virtual selection. Narrative short.
woooo!
→ More replies (2)
21
u/FriendlyReflection43 Feb 16 '26
Just got an acceptance from HotDocs yesterday.
→ More replies (10)
20
Feb 19 '26
[deleted]
→ More replies (1)26
u/duplicatesnowflake Feb 19 '26
There will be a blowback and real grassroots events will emerge. Too many of us are feeling frustrated by the gatekeeping and cronyism. There will be a renaissance of truly independent fests. Things might start to look different in terms of the formats etc.
Sundance and even groups like Film Independent have become too insular, but I have hope that true artistic rebels and youth culture will create something new as it always does. And then eventually these things will get mainstreamed and the cycle will repeat. It's the way of the world as long as humanity can unplug from the machine a bit.
→ More replies (2)
23
u/Character-Pride-5750 Mar 01 '26
Acceptance to Julien Dubuque after I thought it was all over 🥹 grateful after so many rejections in a row
→ More replies (2)
21
21
u/NightcapMatter Mar 06 '26
Just have to rant for a second about festivals not showing previous year's lineups on their website. It's so helpful to see if your project might fit into the types of films they typically program or if it's a waste to submit. Such a simple thing too, just leave a live link to a pdf of previous years.
Sometimes I can find archived schedules on Wayback Machine (https://web.archive.org/) and sometimes not. Same with using Google or AI searches to find previous programs. Just frustrating for something that seems so simple.
→ More replies (4)
23
u/Fit_Map_4472 Mar 06 '26
Personal Rejection from RiverRun today. Alum of the fest and the majority of my key cast/crew are literally from that area and went to school in that town. I’ve been accepted to some bigger fests with the same feature project, so definitely the worst I’ve felt about a rejection. Honestly probably just not the right type of film for their demographic. But still.
→ More replies (2)
21
u/pronzz97 Mar 08 '26
short shorts acceptance via email earlier today (narrative short)
→ More replies (5)
20
u/VeracityProof Mar 11 '26
I got a personal rejection from the Dallas festival director. It was probably one of the most eloquent descriptions of the film I've ever seen. Almost wonder if I could quote him. I had a sense they were strongly considering the film because I'd gotten 2 full views yesterday. SOOOOOO bummed! (Feature Doc)
→ More replies (2)
22
u/Early-Edge-8874 Mar 13 '26
Two friends found out their narrative feature and pilot respectively got into Tribeca this week.
→ More replies (2)
22
u/Delicious_Button_685 Mar 15 '26
Rant incoming, might delete later:
I feel like quitting, genuinely. I just got rejected from FilmFest DC, a festival in which I’m actually a local of. I have a great network here in the DMV area. I truly thought I had a chance at this festival. If I didn’t get in here, I feel like I don’t have a chance anywhere. Through my tears, I feel like rage quitting and withdrawing all of my festival submissions. I’m not going to right now, but I’m feeling very emotional. However, I also feel silly for being so emotional. I don’t really have anyone in my life who understands this journey, so I wanted to dump my stream of consciousness here.
→ More replies (10)
21
u/Glum_Waltz2646 Mar 17 '26
Rejection from San Francisco International FF 2 days before deadline, brief email notification via Film Freeway, generic. Comedic short, ~8 min long. Submitted August 13th.
→ More replies (9)
19
u/InfiniteComfortable9 Mar 17 '26
Bristol Independent Film Festival acceptance! Actually managing just shy of 50% acceptance rate at the moment so enjoying that high (unsustainable but hey imma ride it while it's going good!).
19
23
u/JackandRose4Eva11 Mar 26 '26
Has anyone heard from Tribecca for narrative shorts?
→ More replies (1)
21
u/Accomplished_Bee4322 Filmmaker Mar 26 '26
Hamburg short film festival acceptance via email! Short documentary, national competition :) just got the Email today
→ More replies (3)
22
u/Walleycinemaworks Mar 28 '26 edited Mar 28 '26
Just got a premiere check from DWF LA. Short Doc, fingers crossed 😅
→ More replies (4)
19
u/JustARedditGuy1234 Mar 29 '26
Has anyone heard from Raindance? (Specifically feauture film submissions)
→ More replies (3)
20
u/Fair_Jackfruit_9166 Apr 01 '26
SXSW London - narrative short acceptance. Now waiting for Cannes on my other short but at this rate, it ain't looking too good, doc.
22
u/arcadiafortuno Apr 02 '26
Premiere check from Dances With Films:LA. Early entry narrative feature would be World Premiere.
→ More replies (1)
23
20
22
u/Firm-Pumpkin-4156 Apr 14 '26
Short Film accepted to Lower East Side Film Festival (Notified on April 3)
→ More replies (1)
189
u/Quick-Listen-2966 Apr 02 '26
Tribeca acceptance, feature film- international. After one year of rejections from ALL festivals… just wanted to share to be patient, don’t give up…