A film festival, first of all, is the ‘address’ where filmmakers from a certain region or from the whole world gather to present their work. In the dynamics of the time in which we are living, despite many forms of film-presentations, film festivals remain the most unique way of promotion and networking.
What we see from the screen is the brightness and the awards. But those who were ever close to the doors of festivals and know anything from ‘behind the scenes’, also know that there is much more to it than that. Festivals are essential for everyone who has aspirations in this direction and we will present you just some of the ways in which your career can be enriched by this event.
- EXPOSURE
Film festivals give each film/filmmaker a VOICE. This industry can be challenging for those new to it so festivals are a gateway of opportunity. If your film is a piece of great work and managed to get the approval of the festival jury: congratulations, that’s fantastic news. But as you may know: this is only the first step. Exposure to a new audience and to your colleagues inside the industry, is the golden opportunity that only festivals provide. When you have the opportunity to expose your work, it means that you have the opportunity to gain attention and love. This is the key point that in most cases makes the difference between a film whose audience grows continuously and one that is quickly forgotten.
- NETWORKING
In the times we live in, in every industry, networking makes all the difference. In the film industry especially, meetings of various kinds are an essential part of success. Whenever you have the opportunity to join a coffee or lunch, where you can spend some time with people of your industry, don’t miss the opportunity. Film festivals are number 1 in this regard, because most of them last several days and have many accompanying activities which will enable you to engage in many conversations and expand your circle. During 3 days, WENIFF gathers around itself audience, directors and producers. Each person will be a new “door” for you. Growth never happens in isolation so grab your chance and APPLY NOW to become part of your journey.
- LEARNING
Participating in the festival is a priceless experience – especially if you still are in the first steps of your career. Professional growth and development for everyone is different, but we believe that there is one thing that remains same for everyone: we grow through each other’s experiences because each person we met and every step we make, teaches us a lesson we can than use.
Regardless of whether or not your film will be rewarded with a prize, the lessons you will receive through exposure on the big screen and expanding the network of people who know and appreciate your work, will pay off the journey. So, never hesitate to make the first step.
4. AWARDS
If you attended a film-festival and went through all the previous steps, let us tell you that so far you have ‘taken’ enough from the event itself.
Your film has been accepted, you have (potentially) traveled to a new country, been introduced to new cultures – through the screen and in person. You met people and learned from their experiences. The icing on the cake is the AWARD – we know that.
The awards are what we hang on the walls to show the success of the film. Medals have always had their own value because they tend to prove our success to the world (and to ourselves). To win a prize is the main goal of everyone who attends. Because, knowing that some of the most important people of the industry have chosen our work to reward, gives us a totally different feeling. Somehow, our story takes a different color, from there.
AT WENIFF, for 10 years now, we have been awarding film in 6 main categories:
1. Special Mention
2. Best documentary
3. Best photo
4. Best Script
5. Best national film
6. Best short film
So, if you have produced a short film or documentary during last 2 years, we encourage you to APPLY TO WENIFF 10-th EDITION and give yourself the opportunity, not only to win but also to learn, expand your network and grow.
