Indie Filmmaking: Truth & Reality
The Truth and Reality about Film Festivals.
September 3, 2025 · 38 min
Why listen
Before you submit to another film festival, hear what the circuit actually delivers for indie filmmakers.
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In this episode
- Why festivals are built for celebration and networking, not distribution deals
- How A-level festivals differ from regional events and when each one matters
- How to budget submissions and travel without getting lost in thousands of options
- How acceptance rates, subjectivity, and premier rules should shape your strategy
About this episode
In this episode, we dive into the truth behind the film festival circuit and what indie filmmakers really need to know before submitting their work. From the celebration of cinema to the harsh realities of distribution, we explore how festivals actually function, which ones matter most, and why expectations need to be managed.Listeners will learn:- Why film festivals are more about celebration and networking than distribution deals.
- The difference between A-level festivals (like Sundance, Cannes, TIFF) and smaller regional events.
- How platforms like FilmFreeway make submissions easier—but also overwhelming with thousands of options.
- The importance of budgeting for submissions and travel, and why choosing festivals based on location and experience might matter as much as prestige.
- The reality of acceptance rates, subjectivity, and premier rules that can affect strategy.
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About Indie Filmmaking: Truth & Reality
Film school taught you how to make a movie—this show teaches you how to get it financed and distributed. In bite-sized 30-minute episodes, filmmaker and distribution expert Jeff Deverett gives you the real-world advice film schools leave out.
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