You made a movie! Congratulations. Your baby is ready to get on its feet and wander out into the big world of festivals. But where do we start?! If you’ve done even a basic search on “best film festivals," you’ll find the results are endless. With all the avenues available, it can be totally overwhelming to decide where to submit. Through trial-and-error with my two short films "Daisy" and "In Touch", I’ve come up with a few tips that can help you sift through your options, and give your baby the best chance at success. 

Anyone who has done even casual research into building an audience has encountered the idea that, in order to cultivate fans, you have to, you know—talk to them. Give them a piece of yourself. Entertain them. Make them think. Keep them engaged lest they forget about you. 

1. Make friends.