Sheffield Doc/Fest 2013: Behind the Curtain: How Film Festival Programming Really Works

Do filmmakers get paid for festival screenings? And do festival programmers play favourites? Which festivals are worth applying to, and what are the dos and don'ts of submitting to a festival? Is a film festival even the right place to premiere your documentary? And do programmers watch all of the DVDs they receive? In this must-catch session, leading festival programmers and seasoned filmmakers discuss the cold, harsh reality of the documentary film festival circuit, and how to make it work for you and your project. The panel will look at the ins and outs of building a festival line-up, and challenge preconceived notions of how docs get chosen. Panelists will also discuss the politics of programming, looking at factors such as premiere status, reputation, and remuneration. If you're thinking of submitting a film to a festival, or have ever wondered how and why films get picked -- or don't -- for one festival or another, then this is the session for you. Filmed by Sheffield Hallam University students and edited by Dave Holloway.