Film Festival Fallacies: What We Wish We Knew Before Submitting
- Indie Film Podcast
- Apr 10
- 2 min read
Let’s just say it upfront: film festivals are kind of like scratch tickets. They’re shiny, full of promise, and most of the time, you end up wondering why you spent $75 on hope.
In Episode 15 of Indie Film Podcast, Chuck and Victoria wade through the glittering minefield of film festivals. From brutally honest rejection letters to wildly optimistic submission plans (hi, Slamdance and SXSW), this episode is a confession booth for indie filmmakers who’ve made one too many festival mistakes—and lived to rant about it.
Are Film Festivals Worth It?
It depends. (And yes, we wish we had a more helpful answer too.)
If you’re hoping for fame, fortune, and a three-picture deal just because your film gets into a major festival... prepare for disappointment. But if you're looking to meet fellow creatives, build your audience, and maybe snag a few email addresses for your next round of crowdfunding, then yeah—film festivals can be worth it. Just… don’t bet your whole budget on it.
Our Film Festival Track Record (AKA: Please Don’t Judge Us)
Chuck and Victoria share their stats:
Stockton to Table Rock – 5 acceptances out of 36 submissions
Submission costs – over $1,100
Rejection letters – many, mostly form, mostly painful
And despite having a film that passes the five-second test (you know, where the opening doesn’t scream “we made this for $11 in a garage”), they still got smacked down by the likes of Tribeca and Sundance. Ouch.
Lessons We Learned the Hard Way
Don’t submit to the big festivals first. They want premiere status. And you’ll spend nine months waiting for a rejection before moving on.
Short may films get in more. They're easier to program, and festivals love cramming in more content.
Some rejections will genuinely make you angry. Especially when you know that little rinky-dink monthly online fest did not get 20,000 submissions, and they still ghosted you with a form letter.
Clipboard = power. If you go to a fest, bring a clipboard and collect emails. Build your newsletter. Own your audience.
The Odds Are... Not in Your Favor
Ever wonder what your chances are of getting into Sundance? Around 2% for features. For shorts? Even worse. SXSW? 4% for features. Tribeca? About 2%. Cannes? Don’t ask.
And if you’re not rich, connected, or the child of a former president (ahem), well... let’s just say the numbers aren’t great.
So, Should You Still Submit to Film Festivals?
Yes—but with strategy. Chuck and Victoria recommend regional fests, smaller monthly events, and ones you can actually attend without selling a kidney. Some of their favorites include:
Twin Falls Sandwiches Film Festival
Wyoming International Film Festival
Iowa Independent Film Festival
Culver City Film Festival
The real value of these festivals? Connection. Indie film is a lonely road, but a room full of nerds who also maxed out their credit cards for a dream? Those are your people.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Over Till You Quit (Or Get Rich)
This episode is a must-listen if you're an indie filmmaker who’s been crushed by the film festival machine—or is about to submit your first short with stars in your eyes. Chuck and Victoria have the receipts, the regrets, and the gallows humor to help you make smarter, cheaper, and slightly less heartbreaking festival decisions.
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