Festival or Award Competition: Which Is Right For Your Work?

Festivals and award competitions are an important corner of the film industry. They can help find a niche audience, lend credibility to a years-long passion project, or even launch a career to new heights. But competition is high and the entry options are numerous (some might say overwhelming). Figuring out where your film shines best can feel a little daunting.

So, why not just cast a big lure and see what bites?

Well, aside from the dent this approach would make in your budget, the truth is that these events aren’t merely about showcasing or distinguishing your work – they’re about positioning it for success. For that to happen, you need a strategy. One that’s tailored to your film’s specific strengths and, perhaps more importantly, its goals.

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. First things first…

What’s the difference?

Crafting short and snappy definitions that highlight the differences between film festivals and award competitions is harder than you might think. After all, most festivals hand out awards and some are incredibly prestigious, like Venice’s Golden Lion or Cannes’ Palme d'Or.

Ultimately, though, we think it’s safe to say that film festivals prioritize exhibition while award competitions prioritize recognition.

Both are curated events and both strive to be diverse in their selections. However, unlike a standalone awards ceremony, a film festival will showcase its selection through public screenings and (usually) provide additional programming, like Q&As or industry expert panels. Festivals also tend to offer clear networking opportunities, like mixers or happy hours, as well as a more defined platform for exposure and potential distribution opportunities.

That’s not to say you can’t meet-and-greet at an awards show or identify some professional launch pads, just that it’s a different vibe. Similarly, while peer-to-peer feedback may be thin on the ground, just the experience of being nominated can serve as a powerful morale booster and motivator to keep creating and honing your craft. Awards can also serve as effective marketing tools to sell or promote your work.

Needless to say, each avenue has its pros and cons.

How do I determine the best fit?

Remember that “strategy” we mentioned earlier? Well, this is where it comes into play. Before you fill out a single application or even start researching different festivals and awards, you need to have a plan – and every good plan starts with a clear goal.

So, ask yourself: what do you want to achieve?

Are you hoping to land a distribution deal? Or are you more interested in meeting other industry professionals and securing some qualified feedback? Are you looking to gain exposure, raise awareness, or simply add a little prestige to your – or a client’s – name?

Determine what makes the most sense for your project and be realistic.

The acceptance rate for top-tier film festivals, like Venice and Sundance, can be as low as 1%. We don’t say that to deter you in any way, but rather to reinforce just how important it is to align your submissions not only with your goals but also your film’s strengths and target audience. (We also hope it will encourage you to give yourself a little grace where rejections are concerned.)

Once you have a general direction, you can start plotting your path forward.

1. Do your homework

Before you commit to any festival or award competition, make sure you dig into the details. Aside from helping you avoid scammers eager to capitalize on submission fees, thorough research will ensure you meet eligibility criteria in a legitimate contest.

For example, some festivals have a premiere requirement to assure audience attendance. That means, if you’ve already publicly screened your film online or at another festival, it won’t be eligible. There are also rules dictating film length, subtitles, completion date, and screener format. So, if you don’t do your homework, you might accidentally disqualify yourself before you even get a shot.

While big-name festivals (like Tribeca, Berlin, and SXSW) are well-founded, they can also be out of reach for many typical filmmakers. If you’re interested in a smaller-scale film festival or award competition – something on the regional or even local circuit – database sites like FilmFreeway and Festhome can be helpful in narrowing down your options. Just be sure to do additional research on any festival or award competition that catches your eye; these sites don’t always vet their organizers.

Remember that, ultimately, you want to play to your strengths and stay aligned with your goals. So, if you’re mostly interested in networking and building a community, then a regional or local contest may be the best fit. Similarly, if your film fits a clear genre or theme, then consider submitting to a festival centered around that topic. Same goes for you as the creator; there are many festivals and award competitions specifically focused on showcasing people from unique backgrounds or underrepresented populations.

2. Set a budget

Submission costs can add up quickly, so be mindful of what you can realistically invest. If multiple submissions are part of your strategy, try to take advantage of early-bird discounts if possible. You don’t want to rush a project and jeopardize quality, but if early submission is feasible, you can save yourself some money.

Don’t forget to factor in marketing, too; your film won’t promote itself. Allocating funds for promotional materials, travel to events, and strategic outreach can significantly enhance your project’s visibility – and its chances of success.

3. Think outside the box

Festivals generally cater to short and feature films, leaving fewer options for creators of TV commercials, online videos, and branded content. While award competitions like the Telly’s and Webby’s help fill this gap, it’s possible that neither a festival nor an award show fit your strategy. That doesn’t mean you don’t still have options.

Conferences like those held by the National Association of Broadcasters, American Film Market, and The Video Consortium are a great alternative, especially for creators seeking a little less exhibition or recognition and a little more professional development.

Generally structured with networking and job growth in mind, conferences provide excellent opportunities for peer-to-peer feedback, industry insight, and hands-on training. Some incorporate trade show elements, so you can check out innovative new equipment, while others focus more on workshops and portfolio reviews – a valuable preliminary step for any creator. Plus, the setting is often more relaxed than a festival or award show, creating more opportunities for casual interactions (in case those organized ice-breakers just aren’t your style). Just be mindful that the cost to attend a conference can be steep, especially if travel and accommodations are necessary.

Another avenue to consider is uploading your film online. While this may disqualify you from certain festivals and award opportunities, it could be the right fit for your project. Clicks, views, and impressions can carry a lot of weight and have the potential to get your work in front of the right eyeballs. The key is to really understand your film's unique strengths, and align them with your goals.

Ultimately, engaging in a combination of events is the best way to maximize exposure, connections, and opportunities. Just remember, be it a festival, award competition, or other avenue, it’s only worthwhile if you make the most of it. So, get out there and rub some elbows, tell people about your project and let them see your passion – authenticity is contagious.