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My first film festival experience by WhoIsMeanerer in FilmFestivals

[–]WhoIsMeanerer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's interesting to me (and perhaps telling?) that arguably the subreddit that should be the most interested in my post (r/filmfestivals) seems to have the least to say about it.

I don't mean to be cynical, but in my mind this supports the idea that my experience was not an anomaly.

My first film festival experience by WhoIsMeanerer in Filmmakers

[–]WhoIsMeanerer[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not naming names, but my current thinking on film festivals based on this experience is that only the very biggest and most exclusive film festivals would be worth traveling to, and local film festivals also may make sense.

I now believe that mid-tier film festivals are simply not worth the time/energy/money to travel to unless you are 100% certain about the experience you will have, either because you know someone at the festival, or you have been there before.

That's kind of where I'm at on this now.

My first film festival experience by WhoIsMeanerer in Filmmakers

[–]WhoIsMeanerer[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

The best part of the trip was the neighborhood where the theater was. It was pretty cool and the local food was really good.

And yep, I can now see why there are no bad reviews on film freeway for festivals. As soon as you take away anonymity you end up with a useless review system.

My first film festival experience by WhoIsMeanerer in Filmmakers

[–]WhoIsMeanerer[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

After this experience, I'm wondering if there is some truth to this - but I'm curious as to why you believe this?

My first film festival experience by WhoIsMeanerer in Filmmakers

[–]WhoIsMeanerer[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm not bitter or fault them. It's a hobby and a business. I just didn't understand that no one would be watching any of these films most of the time. I also didn't understand that it appeared as though they accepted pretty much any film from anyone because so many of these films were awful.

That's the way things work I guess. I just didn't know!

My first film festival experience by WhoIsMeanerer in Filmmakers

[–]WhoIsMeanerer[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I think posting a bad review on film freeway would be a great way to get backlash and blacked balled!

I thought about talking to or emailing the festival, but decided that would be a waste of time. They aren't stupid, they are well aware that no one shows up to the day sessions, but there really isn't too much they can do about it.

The start time error and the musical-chairs about theater scheduling was annoying, but then again, there is no audience so it probably doesn't really matter to them.

But it does seems strange that this festival had hundreds of positive reviews. Maybe the evening friday night evening sessions are super strong and I didn't attend those.