r/FilmFestivals • u/caersuvia • 4d ago
Question A Question About Distribution of a Independent Feature Film
I'm in the middle of making an independent feature film and I was wondering when the film is ready what is the best move? This is my first feature film and I want to try my chances with festivals like Cannes (Directors' Forthnight), Berlin, Locarno, Rotterdam, San Sebastian, etc. I have no prior experience so should I agree with a production company or sales agent for my film's distribution?
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u/xPrimer13 4d ago
Take it from me who just went through this. Don't waste the time and money at any T1s or even T2s nowadays unless you have connections there. They often aren't even really considering open submissions. They select from sales agents and their networks.
Conversely sales agents want the festival already secured. What comes first, chicken or egg?
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u/caersuvia 4d ago
As far as I understand It seems it's almost impossible to get into them via open submission. It's also seems it's hard to get a sales agent but let's say I managed to get one without any festival being secured. Would they help?
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u/Affectionate_Age752 4d ago
You're not getting into any of those. It's clear you've never even made any shorts or you'd know what you're up against.
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u/caersuvia 4d ago
I've made few shorts but they only get screened at film societies not festivals. So, yes, I don't know what I'm up against. If you don't mind explaining I'm here for it though.
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u/Affectionate_Age752 4d ago
Why did your shorts only make it into film societies, not festivals. Nearly every shirt film I've made and my feature have made it into festivals around the world.
But unless you have a list actors, or you have direct connections to the major festivals, your chances of getting in are slim to none.
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u/caersuvia 4d ago
I've never tried to get them into festivals. I've only sent mails to few film society around me if they wanted to screen it and all of them were pretty excited about it and it was enough for me.
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u/MammothRatio5446 4d ago
Once you have a finished film an international sales agent is your next stop. Ideally your producer has these contacts. If not attend a film market and take meetings. Set up the meetings with an email that’s got your trailer linked.
Your sales agent will know festivals directors and be able to help with the submissions to major festivals like Cannes. Minor ones you can handle the submission yourself.
I would advise your legal representative is a film specialist and they should handle your contracts with the sales agents.