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. 

Top Tips

• First rule of going to film festivals is… you must talk about film festivals. This is another way of networking and anyone just starting out, I’m sure you’re tired of hearing this but it’s true networking gets you contacts and if it doesn’t get you that, you will meet other like-minded people and create your own hub possible collaborators. Networking doesn’t always have to be in person, especially in the age of social media. Write about the films you saw, Tweet about them, take photos of events you’ve been to and share them, you never know who you can connect with this way.

• Any cinephile knows this but it’s worth saying; do not be late for your screenings. There is nothing worse than getting 10 minutes into a film and someone is shuffling along in front of you, bobbing up and down trying to find their seat. The exception to the rule is if you know the layout of the cinema and you know you have an end seat then you can run in as the lights go down and slip into your seat without disturbing anyone.

• If, you’re like me, you try and get the most out of a festival, it will be worth making a schedule. A schedule comes in handy, especially when buying your tickets, you can work out where you’re going and when. If you’re just planning on seeing one or two films, then you can skip this part.

• Avoid disappointment, book early. The more prestigious the festival the earlier you will need to book tickets. Screenings and events do sell out quickly and some also have caps on how many tickets you can buy at once. 

• No refunds. I’ve noticed that more festivals are doing this. If you are unable to attend a screening you might not be given a refund but rather an exchange instead. But if this isn’t possible, don’t waste the ticket, I’m sure you know other film enthusiasts who like to go. 

• Stay for Q&A. You never know what further insight you can find out from the filmmakers. If you can and you feel confident, ask a question too. It doesn’t have to be long winded or ‘sound clever’, but ask something that you wish to know.