Demystifying FilmFreeway: Insider Strategies for Festival Success
Each fall in the heart of North Carolina, Cary hosts its annual BEYOND Film Festival presented at the historic Cary Theater. Engaged audiences, new and established filmmakers, industry professionals, and special guests come together to celebrate the art of short filmmaking.
Come learn how to read between the lines to find festivals truly worth your time and submission fees and build the festival run of your dreams with Crickett Rumley.
If you’re submitting your film to festivals, chances are you’re already on FilmFreeway, the go-to platform that thousands of filmmakers use to discover and submit to festivals every day. It’s a powerful tool, but like any tool, knowing how to use it and avoid common pitfalls makes all the difference. You’ll walk away knowing how to:
- Build and maintain a compelling profile for you and your film
- Dig into FilmFreeway’s listings so you really understand a festival before you hit submit
- Use the Film Festival Alliance’s best practices as your roadmap to finding high-value festivals
- Spot low-value festivals and “pay to play” awards events that won’t move the needle for your career
- Read filmmaker reviews like a pro and pick out the details that actually matter
- Catch red flags in rules and requirements
Crickett Rumley is founder and senior director of the Film Festival Department at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. She has guided filmmakers to official selections at festivals ranging from Sundance to Bronzelens and to wins and nominations at the Student Academy Awards, the BAFTA Student Film Awards, the DGA Student Film Awards, and the College Television Awards. She is on the board of the Film Festival Alliance, serves as the Panels Director for the Tallgrass Film Festival, and has taught workshops and served on juries for festivals around the U.S.
Know Before You Go
- Each workshop requires a ticket in order to attend. Tickets available for purchase via The Cary Theater website.
- This event is suitable for ages 16+.
Inclusion Services
Downtown Cary Park strives to provide a positive experience for all guests. Our goal is to accommodate you and meet your individual needs. Please fill out the event accessibility form here and a staff member will be in contact with you.