6 Do's and Don'ts for Submitting to Film Festivals, According to Programmers

Here's what to do — and what not to do — to improve your film festival chances, straight from the horse's mouth.

A panel at SXSW 2016 hosted by Dan Brawley of North Carolina's Cucalorus Film Festival was zinging with useful information about the state of curation, festival secrets, and tips for filmmakers. Here are some essential pieces of advice from the people whose very job it is to curate your film.

"In an oversaturated market, you have to be really specific."

1. DO: Be specific about your film's hook

Don't say things that apply to every independent film ever. Nobody has money, nobody has stars — these are not selling points.

Instead, it's helpful to think about describing your film with three terms: First, only, and last. The example given in the room was by Film Festival Secrets author Christopher Holland: "If your film is the first film by a blind nun, that's what gets attention at first."

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