Don’t Waste Money on the Wrong Film Festivals
Let’s talk about something that costs indie filmmakers thousands every year submitting to film festivals without a plan.
If you’re trying to figure out how to choose the right film festivals for indie films, you’re in the right place.
The first thing I always ask filmmakers is: What’s your goal with the festival run?
Because if your only goal is to sell your film to a distributor after a big premiere, you may be aiming at the wrong target.
Sundance, Cannes, Toronto: Are They Worth It?
Yes, it’s tempting to dream about landing a deal at Sundance or Cannes. And look, it’s not impossible. There are a few success stories that keep that dream alive.
But let’s be honest. Those festivals are stacked with big-name directors, A-list casts, and companies that already have relationships inside.
You might be submitting your film on FilmFreeway with no connections, competing against Richard Linklater’s new project.
If the festival has to choose between the two, you already know how that goes.
Should You Still Submit to the Big Festivals?
Sure. If you’ve got the extra $100 to $150 for a submission fee, and you’re willing to take a chance. You never know when someone catches a “diamond in the rough.”
Just don’t bank your whole release strategy on getting into one of those top ten festivals.
Pick Festivals That Match Your Film and Your Goals
Instead of only aiming high, try focusing on genre-specific festivals.
Have a horror movie? Horror film festivals are often more welcoming and fun, and they attract die-hard fans of the genre.
Same goes for sci-fi, action, or even rom-com festivals.
But here’s the thing. Most festivals are about fans, not buyers.
If your goal is just to build an audience, festivals can absolutely help.
If your goal is to sell your movie, though, you’re better off looking at film markets like AFM (American Film Market), EFM (Berlin), or Cannes Marché.
Film Festivals vs. Film Markets
This is key. You need to understand the difference between a festival and a market.
Festivals are fun.
You get audience reactions, maybe win some awards, and collect those laurel leaves for your poster. But most of the time, you won’t find real buyers there, at least not many.
Markets, on the other hand, are where distribution actually happens.
If selling your film is the main goal, start planning for the markets early and use festivals more as audience-building tools or PR support.
Timing Matters: Don’t Delay Your Release
One last warning—don’t get stuck in an endless festival loop. I’ve seen filmmakers spend a year and a half on the festival circuit, and by the time they’re ready to release the film, it already feels old.
That can hurt your momentum.
Get clear on your goals early. If it’s exposure and building buzz, great. Line up the right festivals and go have fun.
If it’s selling your film and landing distribution, aim for the markets instead.
Final Thoughts: Be Smart with Your Festival Strategy
Choosing the right film festivals for indie films comes down to having a plan. Don’t just shotgun your submissions and hope for the best. Think about what success looks like for your film.
And hey… Take a shot at Sundance if you want. Nothing wrong with going for it. But don’t ignore the smaller, more targeted festivals or the markets that actually move the needle.
Whatever you do, make sure you’re not spending thousands of dollars chasing a dream that isn’t aligned with your goals.
Play smart, stay strategic, and enjoy the ride.
