Behind the Screens: Programmers Reveal How Film Festivals Really Work

Have you ever wondered...What's the deal with film festival programmers? What do they really think about your film? How do they make their decisions? And how can you improve your own film's odds of being picked?

Why your film gets picked depends on a complex set of reasons, And it comes down to a single fact: film festivals, and programmers, aren't necessarily what you think!

Jon Gann, founder of the DC Shorts Film Festival, questions his peers about their selection process, reactions to filmmaker behavior, industry concerns, and ultimately, how they create a festival experience that enriches both filmmakers and the audience.

Insights by programmers from some of the world?s leading festivals:

• Ashland Independent Film Festival
• Byron Bay International Film Festival
• CineSlam/Pride of the Ocean
• DC Shorts Film Festival
• LA Comedy Shorts Film Festival
• Napa Valley Film Festival
• New York Film Festival
• Prescott Film Festival
• Razor Reel Fantastic Film Festival
• Scottsdale Film Festival
• Seattle International Film Festival
• SILVERDOCS
• Sonoma International Film Festival
• Sundance Film Festival
• Tallgrass Film Festival
• Washington Jewish Film Festival