Launching this New Blog with a Shameless Advertising Plug
- Phillip E. Walker
- May 28
- 5 min read
Updated: May 29
Sponsored by 100 Films Retreat, this new Blog will explore the world of independent film festivaling with emphasis on Film Awards Events. With that being said, I have not changed the core philosophy of my Film Submit Success workshop - "You don't get much out of a film event that you don't attend"!
The Importance of Film Festivaling
Public film gatherings serve as crucial platforms for independent filmmakers and video content creators to present their work to a broader audience. For most independent productions, film festivaling offers the only public recognition available. Film Awards Events offer several benefits that for the majority of artists are not available at film festivals:
Identifying Film Awards Events: On many film festival submission platforms such as FilmFreeway and WFCN, Film Awards Events are listed as such under Event Type. Also, these film gatherings often hold monthly or quarterly sessions, rather than just an annual event. As well, these services to the field are often non-completive in award giving, promote all of their applicants, have affordable submission fees, are responsive to communications plus these gatherings are usually small in size.
Advantages of Film Awards Events: All submitters are almost always guaranteed to gain some degree of recognition therein and probably personal attention. This, as opposed to almost always gaining nothing more than rejection from one's film festival submissions.
Disadvantages of Film Awards Events: Online and private, judges only screenings frequently delivered by Film Awards Events do not enable very much public recognition for submitters. Also, the fact that these entities are little know lessens the importance of their recognitions. But of course, small recognition is better than no recognition.
Finding Film Awards Events Because artist recommendations are the best ways to be informed of Film Awards Events, I have taken the time to use my more than a decade of extensive film festivaling experience to supply this Website plus the following.
Currently The Most Artist Friendly Film Events
I define "artist friendly" as receiving something other than a rejection email in response to one's submission. Following are five (5) entities whom I personally know to be extremely "artist friendly".
Dates: Monthly Online Sessions
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
The FestivalDeIndie.com landing and about pages tells everything one needs to know about this currently World's most artist friendly Film Awards Events. Since this unique designation by myself changes as entity's practices ebb and flow, I suggest that you submit a production to Festival de Indie NOW!
Dates: Monthly Online Sessions
Location: Trivandrum, Kerala, India
In my search to find an alternative to the establish film festival practice of rejecting some 97% of their submissions, during the Pandemic TIFA became my first ever World's most artist friendly Film Awards Events. They have recently returned to the scene with their signature fast turnaround of honoring submissions. For example, TIFA recently bestowed upon Walker Entertainer Academy productions 76 Awards, 3 Reviews and 2 Interviews and a promotional video.
Dates: Monthly Online Sessions
Location: Kolkata, West Bengal, India
The name says it all. 24 Hours Film Challenges artists to apply who want to be recognized within a day after their submission. In a single submission last year, 24HFS honored Walker Entertainer Academy productions with 6 Awards & Nominations plus an Interview.
Dates: August 15, October 12, December 27, 2026 & February 1, 2027
Location: Rancho Cucamonga, California USA
With all attending artists being videotaped during an intensive discussion of their big TV screening production, this intimate, quarterly gathering offers to artists "withdrawal from the maddening crowd". Striving to Officially Select films from 100 different countries every quarter of each year, this live & in-person, Southern California gathering screens the productions who have a representative in attendance to discuss their work.
Dates: Five Film Festivals Per Year
Location: Southern California & Las Vegas, USA
I am now calling West Coast Film Festivals the World's most artist friendly multi-days film festival because it is apparently eager to Officially Select, then show all artist submissions on the big screen, without actually guaranteeing to do so. One of the entity's Directors, Peter Greene, likes to boast that once an artist screens at one of their Festivals, that artist becomes "a member of the family". As a result, since during the past year Walker Entertainer Academy productions have been Officially Selected to screen in all five of their events (Marina del Rey Film Festival 6/10-18/26 Lumiere Cinema ~ Beverly Hills CA, Indiewood Film Festival 9/10-18/26 TCL Theater ~ Hollywood CA, Culver City Film Festival 12/3-11/26 Culver Theater CA, Golden State Film Festival 2/25-3/6/26 TCL Theater ~ Hollywood CA and Indie Vegas Film Festival 4/30-5/3/26 Regal Aliant Cinema ~ North Las Vegas NV), I can personally tell you that in more than a decade of extensive film festivaling, no other entity has ever topped any of the West Coast Festival's quality.
How to Prepare for Film Festivaling
Research the Festival
Before attending, familiarize yourself with the festival’s history, mission, and the types of films they typically showcase. This knowledge will help you tailor your approach, whether you are an attending artist or audience member.
Submit Your Film
If you are a filmmaker or video content creator, ensure that you meet the submission deadlines and guidelines. Each festival has its own requirements, so pay close attention to the specifics. Although it can be expensive due to their high rejection rates, consider submitting to multiple festivals to increase your chances of acceptance.
Plan Your Schedule
Festivals can be overwhelming with numerous screenings, panels and networking events. Create a schedule that prioritizes the films and events you want to attend. Don’t forget to leave time for spontaneous connections and experiences.
Network Effectively
Bring business cards and be prepared to introduce yourself. Networking is a crucial part of the film festivaling experience. Engage in conversations, attend panels and participate in Q&A sessions to meet fellow artists and industry professionals.
Stay Open-Minded
Film events offer great opportunities to discover new voices and styles. Be open to watching films outside your usual preferences. You might find inspiration in unexpected places.
Tips for Attending Film Festivals
Arrive Early
Arriving early gives you a chance to settle in, grab a good seat and soak in the atmosphere. It also allows you to network with other attendees before the screenings begin.
Participate in Q&A Sessions
After screenings, many festivals host Q&A sessions with screening artist. This is a valuable opportunity to gain insights into the creative process and ask questions about the productions.
Engage on Social Media
Use social media to connect with other attendees and share your experiences. Many entities have official hashtags that you can use to join the conversation.
Attend Workshops and Panels
Take advantage of the educational opportunities offered at film events. Workshops and panels can provide valuable insights into the industry and help you hone your craft.
Follow Up
After the event, follow up with the contacts you made. A simple email expressing your appreciation for their time can go a long way in building lasting relationships.
Conclusion
An artist does not have to discontinue their strivings to be recognized by the film festival that they covet in order to also gain sure recognitions from Film Awards Events. So, get on out there and submit to at least the above five entities, if you want to insure wins!
Indie film events are a vital part of the entertainment industry, offering artists a platform to showcase their work and connect with audiences. By staying informed about upcoming events and preparing effectively, you can maximize your experience and make meaningful connections. Whether you are a filmmaker, video content creator or a film enthusiast, these gatherings provide a unique opportunity to celebrate the art of storytelling. So mark your calendars, prepare your productions and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of indie cinema!
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