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Film festival scams are unfortunately prevalent in the indie filmmaking world.

If you have ever made an indie film and searched out festivals in the hope of getting your film in front of a broader audience, you will likely have been made aware of the numerous fake and poorly operated festivals so prevalent online.

Aggregator websites such as FilmFreeway are some of the worst offenders for channeling indie filmmakers into the loving arms of fraudsters and just straight up shitty festivals.

Often all it takes is signing up for one of these services using a social media account and suddenly your are receiving spammy emails and DMs from “festival organisers” that “love” your film and want to offer you a 60% discount for entering it into their festival.

Here are some common tactics used in film festival scams:

1. Fake festivals: Scammers create entirely fake film festivals, complete with websites, submission platforms, and promotional materials. They often use generic or vague names that sound legitimate. Filmmakers submit their films and pay submission fees, only to discover that the festival doesn’t actually exist, or it’s poorly organized with no real audience or industry presence.
2. Pay-to-play festivals: Some festivals require filmmakers to pay exorbitant fees for their films to be considered for selection. These festivals often prioritize revenue generation over the quality of the films, and acceptance is based on the ability to pay rather than artistic merit. Filmmakers may end up paying substantial amounts without receiving any meaningful exposure or benefits.
3. False promises: Scammers may make false promises of significant exposure, distribution deals, or awards to entice filmmakers into submitting their films. They exaggerate the festival’s reach, industry connections, or potential rewards to convince filmmakers to participate. However, once the fees are paid and the films are submitted, the promises often go unfulfilled.
4. Poorly organized festivals: Some festivals may lack proper planning, infrastructure, or resources to deliver a quality event. Filmmakers who participate in such festivals may face disorganized screenings, technical issues, and a lack of audience engagement. These festivals may not attract industry professionals or provide meaningful networking opportunities.

To protect yourself from film festival scams, here are some precautions you can take:

1. Research the festival: Thoroughly research the festival before submitting your film. Check its track record, previous editions, and reputation among filmmakers and industry professionals. Look for reviews and testimonials from past participants to gauge their experiences and the festival’s credibility.
2. Check the festival’s credentials: Verify the festival’s credentials, such as its affiliations with industry organizations or associations. Legitimate festivals often have partnerships or endorsements from recognized entities within the film industry.
3. Review the submission guidelines: Pay close attention to the festival’s submission guidelines. Legitimate festivals typically provide clear guidelines regarding submission formats, fees, deadlines, and selection criteria. If the guidelines are vague, incomplete, or seem unprofessional, it could be a red flag.
4. Assess the festival’s history and impact: Consider the festival’s history and impact on the industry. Look for evidence of films that have gained exposure or achieved success through the festival. Check if the festival has attracted notable industry professionals, distributors, or sales agents in the past.
5. Seek recommendations: Reach out to fellow filmmakers, industry contacts, or online communities to seek recommendations or gather information about specific festivals. Their experiences and insights can help you make an informed decision.
6. Be cautious with fees: Evaluate the submission fees in relation to the festival’s reputation and potential benefits. High fees don’t guarantee a better festival experience or increased exposure. Consider the overall value proposition and whether the fees are reasonable and justifiable.
7. Consider the festival’s programming: Research the festival’s programming to see if it aligns with your film’s genre, style, or target audience. Look for a diverse and curated selection of films rather than a haphazard collection. This indicates that the festival values quality curation and may provide a better platform for your work.

By being diligent, conducting thorough research, and trusting your instincts, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to film festival scams and increase your chances of participating in reputable festivals that offer genuine opportunities for exposure and networking.

We wish you the best of luck on your filmmaker journey, if you ever feel like you just want to hang out with likeminded people, or make films together with us, please check out thebitjoinery.com, we’re a growing filmmakers collective where together we own the entire production cycle.