About this Event
Navigating the Film Festival Circuit: From Submission to Selection
Part of PRIFF UK 2026 Programming
When the film festival circuit is so big, it can feel a little daunting, so where do you begin?
Join Esther Smith from Festival Formula, one of the UK’s leading specialists in film festival strategy and distribution, for a practical masterclass designed to demystify the festival journey.
Festival Formula works with filmmakers to develop bespoke festival strategies, helping films navigate an increasingly crowded international circuit and find the festivals, audiences and opportunities best suited to them.
From researching the right festivals and building a realistic submissions budget to preparing materials and understanding what happens when your film is selected, Esther will take you through the process step by step. The session will also explore managing rejection, setting realistic expectations and using what you learn from one festival run to strengthen the next.
Whether you're preparing your first short for the circuit or looking to take a more strategic approach to your next film, this masterclass will give you practical tools and industry insight to navigate festival distribution with greater confidence and purpose.
Event venue & nearby stays
Proposition Bethnal Green, 279 Cambridge Heath Road, London, United Kingdom
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