Top 6 Reasons Why International Film Festivals Are ImportantPosted by Stewart Winther on July 31st, 2021 
Film festivals have become a widespread phenomenon over the last fifty years and are leading events building the reputation of film professionals and developing a well-established field in itself. Through the influence of compelling stories, International film festivals can penetrate to the heart of what moves us and, at the same time, unveil stories that we may not be able to see in other venues.
Film festivals are the perfect platform for the exchange of ideas and the sharing of experiences.
Here are some more reasons why film festivals are important:
1. Expose Independent Cinema to New Audiences
Most of the general public is blasted with marketing messages about mainstream movies. A good festival shows films and relevant content that are resistant to the commercial pressures of the standard mainstream fare. It is through independent films made by independent opinions that new ideas are expressed. A great film festival champions these ideals at its core.
2.Test Screenings
Over the decades, many filmmakers use the platform of international film festivals as a test screening. They attend and cover the audience in much the same way as commercial film production companies test screen their films. After measuring and assessing the audience's reaction at a film festival screening, the filmmaker may choose to re-edit their film before a commercial release.
3.Marketing Exercise
The importance of international film festivals to a filmmaker rests in the marketing nous of the film festival they attend. Any filmmaker, small or large, needs to raise awareness of their film. Large studios use large-budgeted public relations and marketing campaigns out of the financial reach of an independent filmmaker. There are three ways a film festival aims to assist the filmmaker in their film’s marketing:
a. Awards
Winning an award is a significant reason to put laurels on a festival poster. But does a passerby really read which festival has awarded the film? Of course, the size of the festival will determine the importance of the award. And if the laurel comes from a prestigious festival like Cindy– wouldn’t the filmmaker make the significant laurels larger? Cindy has a wide range of
international film awards .
b. Reviews and Interviews
One of the great reasons to attend a festival is to begin the hype of the film. Getting local reviewers and bloggers to view and comment on a movie is one-way filmmakers start the buzz about their latest projects.
c. Selling the Film
Specific festivals are good at attracting film acquisition executives and commissioning editors to their screenings. These film buyers attend, desiring to discover and acquire the latest hot property before their competitors do.
4.Learning
Many festivals have engaging masterclasses and panel discussions on aspects of filmmaking. These are of benefit to both filmmakers and the general public. Events like these are a helpful way to promote the filmmakers and their films and help visitors learn about what goes on behind the mysterious black curtains shrouding the film industry.
5.Networking
The film industry is a people's industry. It’s not what you know, but whom! Visiting a festival with an audience of like-minded people from all avenues of life is an excellent way to expand your circle of influence, emphasizing the importance of film producer awards again. Whatever your position in the film industry or your interest in filmmaking, a film festival is great for meeting new people.
6.Tourism and the Local Economy
Any community with a successful film festival prides itself in the cultural, artistic, and commercial kudos a festival brings. For a local community, it’s not just the red carpet and all the hype surrounding a festival. It’s the jobs the festival brings, the hospitality provided to attendees, and the buzz around the commercial establishments in the festival area. Not to mention the hotels, meals, and snacks festival visitors use while at the festival.
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