Film festivals don't suck, it's the kind of people who attend film festivals that suck. No, not all of you, calm down. But speaking in broad terms, you'll never meet a higher concentration of up-their-own-ass, pretentious, condescending snobs than film fest devotees. I volunteered for a few years and later worked at VIFF. I don't regret leaving. I love film. I very much do not love the kind of people who pride themselves on preferring serious film. When it comes to actual human interaction, I'll take the folks in line for the next big dumb Blockbuster over Lovers of Film ™️ any day. Those people still know how to find joy in the movie experience, they're not smugly smirking because you haven't seen the latest by the hot new wunderkind director about the inherent drama of Mongolian cheese making
You've made some really good points, some that I hadn't thought of either. I think film festivals have to be a good experience and that submitting to the top tier and crossing your fingers should be done with caution, though with a feature seeking distribution, I can see the incentive there. Virtual fests were nice for the pandemic but those are probably the most swept under the rug festivals I've seen lately. Same with monthly fests, most of which appear to be pay to play award events that don't even host screenings. Filmmakers submit, and don't think they are scammed simply because they were emailed a laurel or mailed a trophy or certificate that all submissions get. Many filmmakers are validation seekers and aren't in it for the desire to tell a story as much as they just want attention to brag to their friends about. It's become a bonkers industry and I thank you for pointing out there is still some good in it, so long as you know what to look out for.
Loving this channel! Glad I found it quite early! Your chill demeanor and attitude is great, the topics you choose to cover aswell. Keep on creating, I’m gonna gladly keep watching :) Cheers from Brasil! ✌🏻💛
For anyone watching this video looking for great film festivals: Hard:Line in Germany Macabro in Mexico City Both fest directors really care for filmmakers getting great press & hospitality, while also pushing your films as much as possible & help you with other fests
Best Film Festivals in my experience are: The Bizarroland Film Festival in Florida and GenreBlast in Winchester Virginia. Submit to them, you wont be sorry, great crowd, incredible fest runners
Definitely on the struggle bus of finding fests that actually give a shit. Also, been to Sundance and a few others (prime fests) as a journalist and it is a party, but it is also pretty surface. Often leaving the soul wanting more and feeling very much in the cold. You got to promote your film before and not expect an audience to be there. Just like a band show.
Glad you made a follow up. Videos with a negative view can leave a bitter after taste for general viewers. There’s always something positive to be found.
