A-List Festivals for Documentaries

I’m in the midst of researching film festivals for my own documentary, and I’d like to share what I’m learning in a 2-part newsletter. Today we’ll focus on the A-list festivals, and next time on B and C list festivals.

Many thanks to Jilann Spitzmiller whose distribution advice contributed to this post. I highly recommend her if you need a distribution consultant.

As you might suspect, the prestigious “A-list” festivals often require some sort of a premiere—world premiere, country premiere, region premiere, etc. These include U.S. festivals such as Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca, Fullframe, Telluride, DocNYC, AFI Docs, Hot Springs and True/False. Then there are the top international festivals such as Ambulante, Sheffield, Toronto International, Berlinale, IDFA and Hot Docs.

Many of these A list festivals, starting with Sundance, cluster around the beginning of the year. This means their deadlines are often toward the end of the year—in fact, right now!

Also, most accept rough cuts. Sometimes rough cuts get accepted (as did our client Tiffany Shlain’s film Connected) but insiders say the festival is so competitive, it’s best if you submit a finished film.

You’ll want to budget wisely, as submission fees run $50-$125. Try to hit the early-bird deadlines to get the best deal. Also, be realistic. These festivals are incredibly competitive. I’m planning on applying to all of them, but if the first six don’t pan out, I may change my mind.

If you get in, you’re golden in the sense that your film can now boast “official selection” at a highly prestigious festival. But despite the hype, don’t necessarily expect to get a deal.

Also, an acceptance letter catalyzes an intense preparation period (with legendary credit card bills) that requires truly finishing your film, finding a Producer’s Rep and creating marketing collateral.

Next time we’ll visit the B and C list festivals, which can offer unexpected accolades.