How To Get The Most Out of Film Festivals...
April 2021 | Katherine Hogan
I’ve talked about why film festivals are important and why they are important to me, but let's now talk about how to get the most out of festivals.
It all starts with the programme. Once it is in your hands (or on screen if its digital) you can start picking what you want to see. Everyone is different in how they select what they want to see and there might only be one film you’re interested but I’d suggest going to at least 4 screenings if it’s a big festival like the BFI London Film Festival or 2 screenings for something smaller. If I am able to, I will go all out. Last year for LFF I saw 11 films in 9 days, I was exhausted but it was an incredible 9 days. I try to pick films that wouldn’t normally be able to see, films that aren’t from the US and I always try to see at least one British film if not more.
You’ve picked your films and maybe you’ve made a schedule and have a few back-ups just in case, you are now ready to book. Most, nearly all festivals will allow you to buy online, which is the easiest way to buy tickets. The bigger festivals will have an array of different release dates. Members only get to buy first and then the public. But, the bigger the festival, the more members there will be. It is possible to buy tickets for festivals in person, just be prepared to queue. The early film bird catches all the tickets they want. When BFI releases tickets, I usually queue up but last year, it didn’t matter how early I was, a film I really wanted to see was sold out and I was twelfth in the queue.
I always think that buying the tickets is the worst part, just because of the queuing and what if the website crashes, the fun part is being there.
Once the screening dates arrive, you will be ready. Keep that schedule handy just in case you can squeeze in a last minute film. For each screening, be on time just in case you are in the middle of a row. Also you might miss an introduction from the filmmakers which can sometimes set the tone for the film. Once you’re in the screen, you’ve got your seat, you can enjoy the magic and buzz of the festival.
Would you like to share your set stories, write reviews or blog about your journey into the industry? MFJF would love to hear from you!