After years of development, Film Festival Alliance is releasing professional standards that represent a community-driven approach to improving film festivals.
This project grew from conversations among board members, staff, festival organizers, and filmmakers. What started in zoom rooms and strategy sessions has become a framework for industry improvement.
Leslie Raymond, Executive Director of Ann Arbor Film Festival and FFA Board Member, captures the heart of efforts: "As a former filmmaker, I understand how challenging it can be to know what happens after you submit a film to a festival. Our hope is that by sharing the details of their processes, the FFA membership can help filmmakers better understand what to expect, ultimately benefiting both filmmakers and the industry as a whole. Together, we can create a more informed and supportive environment for everyone involved!"
Introducing the Film Festival Directory
Along with these standards, we're launching the Film Festival Alliance Directory – a resource that shows festivals committed to transparency and clear communication.
These Standards Cover:
What This Means for Festivals
By adopting these standards, festivals can:
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Build better relationships with filmmakers
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Create clearer submission experiences
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Improve transparency within the film festival ecosystem
What This Means for Filmmakers
By using the Film Festival Directory, filmmakers can:
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Identify festivals that believe in transparency and accountability
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Gain insight into the the programming process at specific festivals
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Build a stronger, more strategic film festival submission strategy
How to Get Involved
Placement in the FFA Directory is included with all organizational-level memberships. Along with the many FFA member benefits, participating festivals will receive an FFA standards emblem to share on their website, social media, and submission pages.
Lastly, we invite you to:
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Explore the Film Festival Alliance Directory. Discover festivals that have committed to our professional standards. Find your next screening opportunity with confidence.
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Review Our Complete Best Practices. Our full standards document provides a baseline for transparent film festival operations. Every filmmaker, festival organizer, and industry professional should read this.
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