Festival Insider Festival Insider (Our blog for filmmakers and festival submissions) FILM FESTIVAL SECRET #6 – Acting Is Everything Why Casting Determines Whether Your Film Lives or Dies Film is collaborative. We all know that. Without a strong script, a film struggles. Without good sound, audiences tune out. Without a director, there is no cohesive […]
(Our blog for filmmakers and festival submissions) FILM FESTIVAL SECRET #5 – Start the Story Already Short Films Are Short Short films are short. That sounds obvious, but it is the single most ignored reality we see when watching submissions. Because of that, it is essential to start your story immediately. We see a lot
Festival Insider Festival Insider (Our blog for filmmakers and festival submissions) FILM FESTIVAL SECRET #4 – The Perfect Film Length How Long Your Film Should Be Depends on Your Goal This question comes up constantly. How long should your film be? The real answer surprises people. There are two correct answers. And which one applies
Festival Insider Festival Insider (Our blog for filmmakers and festival submissions) FILM FESTIVAL SECRET #3 – A Poster Is Worth 1000 Words Your Poster and Artwork Are Already Judging You There are few things more frustrating in festival curation than discovering a truly beautiful film… and realizing we cannot program it. Not because of story.
Festival Insider Festival Insider (Our blog for filmmakers and festival submissions) FILM FESTIVAL SECRET #2 – Sound is huge Great Picture Can’t Save Bad Sound There are few things more frustrating in festival curation than discovering a truly beautiful film… and realizing we cannot program it. Not because of story. Not because of performances. Not
Festival Insider Festival Insider (Our blog for filmmakers and festival submissions) FILM FESTIVAL SECRET #1 – Be Findable If We Can’t Find Your Film, We Can’t Program It We see a lot of films every year. Hundreds, actually. Some come to us through submissions. Others come through recommendations, festival buzz, distributor lists, or word of
skip render: ucaddon_social_icons_glare_effect Let’s go A premium film festival experience in the heart of California’s Sonoma Wine Country. SEPTEMBER 25-27, 2026 Tickets and Details Coming Soon Newly added additional programming: Your browser does not support the video tag. SEE THE 2025 AWARDS Last Year’s Festival – September 2025 Meet The 2025 Film Jury Some Remote