Film Festival Insider™ Weekly
Film Festival Insider™ Weekly is your no-fluff guide to the festival circuit. Each week, Heather Brittain breaks down industry news and festival trends—then shows you what they mean for your film. Get clarity, context, and action steps to submit smarter and gain traction. Because strategy—not luck—is what gets films selected.
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ABFF, Sheffield, LED screens + a festival with real submission integrity
Visibility matters. But how you show up matters more.
If you're paying to play, make sure you're playing to win.
This Week's Big...
FilmQuest Market, NYC Industry Access, Rotterdam Resets
The headlines are loud. But the leverage? That’s quiet.Your edge is moving before everyone else figures out what just shifted.
📍 This Week’s Big...
No More “Maybe” Fests: Plan Smarter This November
Even the best stories get buried without a plan.
Festivals don’t reward effort - they reward positioning.
📍 This Week’s Big Moves
AFM Week...
The Momentum Issue
Awards buzz is building. Here’s how to ride the wave.
Awards season is heating up—and momentum matters more than noise.Smart filmmakers know how to connect...
From DIY Wins to AFM Plays: Where the Real Momentum Is
Fast, focused, and slightly caffeinated.
Here’s what actually moves the needle this week.
📍 This Week’s Big Moves
SCAD Savannah Film Festival is...
FilmQuest Rises, Chicago Press Pops, and Austin Opens Doors
The smartest filmmakers don’t chase momentum. They build it—one strategic move at a time.
LFF Winner “Landmarks” Sends a Signal
Lucrecia Martel’s Landmarks just...
UK Buzz, TIFF Signals, and a Sitges Power Pivot
What this week’s top festivals mean for your film strategy – plus how to ride the wave with press, pitches, and targeted momentum.
London...
Awards Signals, Horror Buzz, and a Key Fest Deadline
Festivals change faster than most filmmakers realize. If you’re not adapting, you’re already behind.
Mill Valley Film Festival Opens with Hamnet
The 48th Mill Valley...
What NY, Zurich, and San Sebastián Just Revealed
Europe wrapped a bellwether, New York flipped the house lights on, and Zurich opened in style. Grab a coffee. Then a highlighter.
San Sebastián...
Fantastic Fest, Post-Festival Strategy and Catalina Festival Access
Even brilliant films get overlooked. The difference between ignored and selected? Strategy—not luck.
Fantastic Fest Is Live—And Genre Eyes Are Watching
Midnight energy....
Why film festivals are shifting faster than you think.
Festivals change faster than most filmmakers realize. If you’re not adapting, you’re already behind.TIFF’s People’s Choice win for Hamnet is more than a trophy—it’s...
What TIFF, Venice, and Tropfest Mean for Your Film Strategy
The festival circuit isn’t slowing down—it’s accelerating. The question is: are you keeping pace strategically?
TIFF Ignites Awards Season
Toronto International Film Festival...
