After years of crafting short films that seemed destined for rejection, filmmaker Kent Lam finally broke through the barriers and gained acceptance into several solid film festivals with his short film, Will the Machine. The journey wasn't easy, but it was incredibly rewarding.
Here, Kent shares what he did differently, the lessons he learned, and tips to make a film festival run smoother and more successful for other filmmakers.
Your Film as a Package
One of the biggest shifts in Kent's approach was treating his film as a complete package. Film festival programmers are inundated with submissions, so a film needs to stand out.
Here’s how Kent suggests doing that:
Recognizable Talent: Including a recognizable actor in a film can significantly boost its appeal to festivals. For Will the Machine, Kent cast Denzel Whitaker, known from Black Panther. Whitaker's name added a layer of appeal to the submission. If landing a big name isn’t feasible, consider working with cast or crew who have connections to the festival being targeted.
Polished Presentation: Films must look and sound professional. Poor audio, bad color grading, or shaky camera work can instantly turn off programmers. Festivals want to showcase films that reflect well on them, so it’s crucial that the film is polished.
Freshness: A film needs to feel fresh and unique. Filmmakers should ask themselves if their story has been done a thousand times before. If so, how can they make it stand out? Festivals are looking for new voices and perspectives, so it’s important to lean into what makes a film different.
Supporting Materials: The importance of a film's poster, trailer, and synopsis should not be underestimated. A poorly designed poster or lackluster trailer can hurt a film’s chances. Investing in these elements is essential to ensure they’re as compelling as the film itself.
Getting Organized & Strategic
In the past, Kent would finish a film and randomly shotgun it to festivals. This time, however, he got organized. With the help of an experienced producer, Kent created a Google spreadsheet that became their festival submission bible.
Here’s what he included in the spreadsheet:
Wish List: A list of all the festivals Kent wanted to submit to, along with key details like submission deadlines, premiere status requirements, and whether they were Oscar-qualifying.
Connections: Notes on whether they knew anyone associated with the festival. Personal connections can make a huge difference in getting a film noticed.
Deadlines & Costs: Detailed tracking of early bird deadlines to save money. Submission fees add up quickly, so it’s important to be strategic about where to submit.
Budgeting Appropriately
Kent acknowledges that film festival submissions can get expensive. For Will the Machine, a significant portion of the budget was dedicated to submissions—over $2,700. While this is more than the cost of some short films, it was a necessary investment to give Will the Machine the best chance at a successful festival run.
For filmmakers on tighter budgets, Kent recommends focusing on researching festivals that are the best fit for the film. It’s better to spend money on targeted submissions than to spread resources too thin.
Leveraging Your Network
If filmmakers know anyone involved in the festivals they’re targeting, Kent advises them to reach out. Leveraging personal connections can help get a film in front of decision-makers rather than being lost in the shuffle. Even a simple introduction can make a significant difference.
Standing Out
To make a film stand out, Kent emphasizes the importance of finding a unique voice and leaning into it. Whether it’s a specific stylistic choice or a thematic element, a film needs to be memorable. Watching as many short films as possible at festivals can help filmmakers understand what works and what doesn’t. Among a sea of submissions, only a few films truly stand out—filmmakers should aim to make theirs one of them.
Runtime & Programmability
Shorter films are easier to program, which can increase the chances of being selected. The original cut of Will the Machinewas over 20 minutes, but Kent and his team cut it down to 13.5 minutes, making it easier for festivals to fit the film into their programming blocks.
For filmmakers looking for a “cheat code” to getting into festivals, Kent suggests making a 1-3 minute comedy short. These are easy to program and act as palette cleansers between more intense films. While they might not get the same attention as longer dramas, they can help rack up festival selections.
How It’ll Be Easier Next Time
Having gone through the festival circuit, Kent now has a better understanding of what each festival likes and dislikes. He’s also considered a legacy filmmaker at some festivals, which means he can submit without paying a fee or reach out directly to festival directors.
Most importantly, Kent has learned what makes a short film stand out. He won’t submit to a festival unless he’s confident his film will resonate with the audience. He highly recommends attending festivals, watching as many short films as possible, and taking note of what works and what doesn’t. This experience is invaluable and will make future submissions much stronger.
In the end, breaking into the film festival circuit requires a combination of strategy, organization, and a bit of luck. But with the right approach, filmmakers can increase their chances of success and make their mark on the festival scene.
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About PAIFF:The Puerto Aventuras International Film Festival (PAIFF) is dedicated to showcasing the best in independent filmmaking from around the world. Now in its second season, PAIFF continues to celebrate the art of cinema by bringing together filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals in a vibrant and inspiring environment.
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