{"id":91630,"date":"2017-06-16T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-06-16T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=91630"},"modified":"2017-06-15T16:08:59","modified_gmt":"2017-06-15T21:08:59","slug":"advance-your-career-independent-film-festivals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/advance-your-career-independent-film-festivals\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Independent Film Festivals Matter Now More Than Ever"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the film industry\u00a0continues to grow, indie film festivals are becoming essential\u00a0for up-and-coming filmmakers.<\/h2>\n

Cover image via D Magazine (Bret Redman)<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Indie film festivals \u2014<\/strong>\u00a0historically fringe territory for filmmakers outside of the mainstream \u2014 are now becoming a\u00a0hotbed for up-and-coming filmmakers<\/strong> looking to develop their craft, make connections, and launch\u00a0their brands<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Using the Oak Cliff Film Festival<\/a>, a fast-growing indie fest hosted around the historic Texas Theatre in Dallas, Texas<\/strong>, as an example, let\u2019s explore how filmmakers are using these festivals for everything from audience testing, to networking opportunities, to even de facto theatrical runs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Filmmaking Connections<\/h3>\n

\"Why
\n<\/a>Image via D Magazine (Bret Redman)<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Film festivals, at their core, bring people together to watch films<\/strong>. Quite a concept, I know, but as films are gradually moving away from theaters and toward online streaming<\/strong>, finding opportunities to sit, watch a film, and chat with other enthusiasts\u00a0at real screenings are becoming more rare<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The indie film industry is built on\u00a0collaboration<\/strong>. If you\u2019re not actively involved with a community and helping friends on their projects<\/strong>\u00a0(as much as others help you on yours), film festivals are the perfect place to meet some\u00a0fellow contributors<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Test Audience Reactions<\/h3>\n

\"Why
\n<\/a>David Lowery<\/a> screening <\/em>A Ghost Story<\/a> for audiences at the OCFF \u2014 image via Clayton Browning<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Indie films, unlike the majority of their blockbuster counterparts<\/strong>, do not often get the luxury of multiple rounds of audience test screenings<\/strong>. Instead, indie filmmakers most often rely on screenings for feedback<\/strong> and audience reactions.<\/p>\n

Film festivals are a great place for filmmakers to screen a project for hundreds of people<\/strong>,\u00a0whom they can actively engage before and after. It\u2019s not uncommon for films to go through a festival run only to get\u00a0re-cut (or sometimes even re-shot) based on critical feedback from crowds<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Allure of Laurels<\/h3>\n

\"Why
\n<\/a>Directors\u00a0Julia Halperin<\/a> and Jason Cortlund<\/a> winning the Narrative Feature \u2014 Grand Jury Prize for their film <\/em>La Barracuda<\/a>\u00a0\u2014<\/em>\u00a0image via OCFF.<\/em><\/p>\n

While this may be a point of contention, screening at film festivals puts your film in front of new people<\/strong>,\u00a0and it brings your project\u00a0a stamp of approval.<\/p>\n

In addition to\u00a0laurels for screening, film festivals give out plenty of awards<\/strong> for achievements in everything from directing, to cinematography, to breakout performances<\/strong>.\u00a0Many even include cash prizes or sponsorships<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

De Facto Theatrical Runs<\/h3>\n

\"Why
\n<\/a>Image via OCFF<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

In many cases, films that\u00a0screen at indie film festivals<\/strong> may very well be the local public\u2019s only opportunity to see these movies\u00a0on the big screen<\/strong>. While some may go on to major theatrical runs<\/strong>, the majority will screen sporadically in select cities before finding a home online<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 whether it\u2019s through Netflix, Amazon, or some more indie-focused online channel<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

For films caught between major theatrical runs and their pending online VOD distribution, a tour of indie film festivals across the country becomes the de facto theatrical release<\/strong>, which offers one-off chances for fans to see the film and engage with other fans<\/strong>\u00a0and the filmmakers.<\/p>\n

Community Engagement<\/h3>\n

\"Why
\n<\/a>Eric Hatch<\/a> speaking at the OCFF awards ceremony at Small Brewpub<\/a> in Oak Cliff.<\/em><\/p>\n

Film festivals also give filmmakers a chance to engage with local communities and develop connections<\/strong>. Festivals usually\u00a0have deep roots in the communities <\/strong>that host them. From outdoor screenings, to daytime workshops, to trips to nearby restaurants<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 attending film festivals gives filmmakers a great opportunity to engage the community<\/strong>\u00a0and the filmmakers who support it.<\/p>\n

\n

For a full recap of the 2017 Oak Cliff Film Festival<\/strong>, you can go\u00a0to their website<\/a> or Facebook page<\/a>\u00a0\u2014\u00a0or check out their video recap below.<\/p>\n