We have attended many film festivals, both as filmmakers presenting a film, and as audience members/cinephiles, and have been thinking a lot about their role in the world today. Especially after getting the opportunity to attend Berlinale with the rest of the Ghaath team.
The film festival circuit is vital to cinema around the world. Both filmmakers and cinephiles can explore the art form without being burdened by the commercial needs of the industry. This allows new talent, viewpoints, and stories to be shown to people around the world.
In particular, this applies to shorts, experimental films, documentaries, and anything that explores a narrative that is outside of mainstream cinema. Of course, there are mainstream festivals, and sometimes big commercial hits begin their public lives at festivals. But more often than not, festivals allow filmmakers to tell their own stories in their own way. Different stories require different festivals. So it is good that there is space for many different types of festivals that allow each filmmaker to tell their own story. For fans of a certain genre, genre-specific festivals are very useful, especially if the genre doesn’t always get a lot of attention. Horror is just such a genre, being often left out of the critical conversation, but very well served on the festival circuit with many festivals that only screen horror films.
At each festival, whether online or in person, we always had amazing and unique experiences. Festivals give independent filmmakers a voice and a platform to showcase their work. Their films can gain exposure and awareness through these platforms. The whole programme mainly focuses primarily on the skill, talent, and art of filmmaking.
Many film festivals have panel discussions, interviews, and masterclasses on the aspects of filmmaking which really play an important role for film professionals, and their professional and artistic development. They really allow filmmakers and fans to learn more about how the film industry works behind the mysterious black curtains and the different perspectives of other filmmakers and their thought processes. We’ve definitely learned a lot from our time attending sessions at festivals.
It’s a great way to unite a community as well, whether virtually or physically. You get to enjoy films at a festival, meet other filmmakers, and celebrate the stories that are told with verve and enthusiasm. Locals and visiting filmmakers mingle at festivals, and share their experiences and reactions to the films they see.
Festivals accept a range of films in many different languages that cover important issues of national and international importance. It is important for filmmakers to have a platform where these films can be shown outside their own creative circles. Many people associated with this art form attend these events. Therefore, festivals are also a great place where professionals and filmmakers can spot new talent for upcoming projects.
These festivals, along with cultural, and artistic benefits, also bring in commercial benefits. The festivals create new jobs, with obvious improvements in the hospitality sector. Also, various commercial establishments around the film festival area simply make more money. In general, film festivals benefit everyone involved. This applies to both attendees and filmmakers. Smaller filmmakers are well-positioned to earn more money from their movies and tourism is greatly improved, so everyone wins.
Another reason why film festivals are crucial for small films and independent films is that most are unable to get a theatrical release because it’s so expensive. It needs to invest a lot of money upfront. Also, it’s not easy to convince the distributors that the project will draw a wide audience and make their money back. A distributor needs to believe that the project will be able to compete against studio movies.
It is very often that film festivals offer awards in different categories, and, let’s be honest, It’s always nice to win awards, isn’t it? Awards are pretty cool. A number of festivals offer cash prizes to their winners. There is no doubt that funding is a major barrier to entry into the filmmaking world. When filmmakers win a cash prize, they’re one step closer to creating their next project! Regardless of whether or not the award comes with cash, the accolade itself can go a long way. There is a possibility that other festivals, filmmakers, or distribution companies may contact them. By adding all those fancy laurels to their marketing material and mentioning the awards their films have won, people are more likely to pay attention and watch their films. Also, awards can be a huge confidence and morale booster for filmmakers and actors.
In the 21st century, global digitalization has made film festivals a unique platform for bridging communication channels from far-off lands. Films are shown in multiple languages from different parts of the world, giving us the ability to hear a rich diversity of voices from different regions. Regardless of what happens in the farthest part of the world, it could appear on festival screens next year. There is a good chance to speak to characters or witnesses of the stories directly.
With the pandemic, the nature of festivals has also changed. Many festivals now offer a mix of virtual and physical events. Adapting to the new reality that not everyone is interested in watching a movie in a theatre, especially after the pandemic that forced mainstream filmmakers to release films on OTT platforms that are at the fingertips of people.
In this century of “clip thinking”, a physical film festival is a place where you can watch and enjoy films without fast-forwarding or pausing it. It allows people a sort of patient communication and experience, whether it’s art or ideas delivered through films. We need this patience and communication.
Film festivals provide audiences with the highest-quality stories to learn from as part of visual literacy in the 21st century. Throughout the world, festivals exist to inspire audiences and keep the excitement for cinema alive.