If you’ve ever dreamed of getting your indie film into Sundance, Toronto, Cannes, or South by Southwest, you already know it can feel like climbing a mountain. These are the major film festivals—the ones that can launch a career. The problem? Thousands of films are submitted every year, and without a plan, your chances of standing out are slim.
I’ve been through the process, and I’m going to share what actually works to get your film noticed and increase your odds of landing a spot at a major festival.
Why FilmFreeway Isn’t Enough
Most filmmakers submit through FilmFreeway or directly on the festival’s website. There’s nothing wrong with that—it’s the standard way to enter. The issue is, it’s like throwing your film into a massive bin with thousands of others. You’re hoping someone digs through and finds your “diamond in the rough.”
For smaller, niche, or genre-focused festivals, FilmFreeway can work great. But for the big leagues—Sundance, Toronto, Cannes—you’ll need more than a standard submission.
The Power of a Connection
The truth is, the fastest way to get your film watched by a decision-maker is through a connection. That could be:
- A direct relationship with a festival programmer.
- A friend or colleague who can vouch for your film.
- Someone in your cast or crew who has history with the festival.
Why does this work? Because if a programmer sees your name alongside a trusted recommendation, they’re far more likely to give your film a real look.
Networking Your Way In
So, how do you build those connections? Networking is key—and film markets are one of the best places to do it. Festivals like the American Film Market (AFM) or the European Film Market (EFM) attract industry pros from all over the world, including festival programmers.
When you meet someone from a festival, you can later say, “Hey, you told me to submit—here’s my film.” That little bit of familiarity goes a long way.
Alumni Status Gives You a Big Edge
If you—or anyone involved with your film—has screened at a festival before, you already have an advantage. Festivals love alumni because they want to show how their filmmakers have grown over time.
Let’s say your director’s last film premiered at Tribeca. When the festival sees their name again, they’ll want to check out the new project. It’s like getting to skip the line.
Finding a Film Festival Liaison
There are also people whose entire job is to act as a bridge between filmmakers and festivals. Think of them as film festival consultants—they know what festivals are looking for, they have the right contacts, and they can help position your film to get noticed.
I met one recently whose sole focus was connecting great films with the right festivals. If you can work with someone like that, it can be a game-changer.
Bottom Line: It’s All About Being Seen
Submitting through FilmFreeway or a festival website without a connection is like buying a lottery ticket—you might get lucky, but the odds aren’t in your favor.
If you want your indie film to make it into a major film festival, focus on building relationships, leveraging alumni connections, and working with people who can open doors for you. The goal is simple: make sure your film actually gets watched by the right person.
Because once it’s seen, the work you’ve put into your story, your craft, and your vision can do the rest.
