ENROLL IN OUR FILM FESTIVAL STRATEGY MASTERCLASS

*First 50 Students can use code FIRST50 for 20% off course*

Our Film Festival Strategy Masterclass is a valuable guide created for filmmakers and producers navigating the intricate and competitive world of film festivals. This comprehensive class offers a step-by-step strategy to increase chances of success at film festivals, from initial planning to post-festival follow-up, while also aiding in their career progression. The course includes video lectures, assignments, research studies, and practical resources to equip students with the knowledge and tools needed for success in the festival circuit.

ABOUT THE COURSE

For independent filmmakers, film festivals serve as vital platforms to cultivate an audience, gain exposure to industry professionals, and propel their careers forward. Whether your sights are set on renowned events like Utah's Sundance or local treasures like New York's Bushwick Film Festival, each presents distinct opportunities.

In this online course, we delve into the realm of film festivals, offering a clear roadmap for navigating the circuit and optimizing your chances of success. This comprehensive course equips filmmakers with the knowledge and strategies needed to thrive on a global scale, leaving a lasting imprint on the industry. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned creator, this course paves the way for exposure and career advancement. Prepare to absorb valuable insights and take diligent notes!

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

Strategic Festival Goal Setting: Understanding why you're attending a film festival is vital for several key reasons. First, it guides your strategic planning. By being clear about your goals—whether it's for networking, distribution opportunities, or earning critical acclaim—you can selectively choose which festivals to attend. This focus ensures you allocate your resources and efforts effectively, tailoring your approach to suit your specific objectives.

Film Potential Analysis: Engage in an honest self-assessment to understand your film's potential and unique attributes, crucial for standing out in festivals. This introspective process, guided by targeted questions, helps realistically evaluate and enhance your film, equipping you to strategically navigate the festival circuit and advance in your filmmaking career.

Choose the Right Film Festivals for Your Film: Gain insights to identify and prioritize film festivals that best match your goals. The focus is on practical evaluation and list compilation, setting you up with a clear plan for your film's festival journey and career growth.

Smart Festival Budgeting: Review a practical budget sample for festival attendance, helping you understand the costs involved and why strategic planning is essential. Learn how to optimize your submissions and save money in the process.

Effective Film Marketing Strategies: Discover practical strategies for promoting your film before a festival. These strategies focus on generating excitement, engaging a wider audience, and building buzz as your festival premiere approaches. To make progress, tasks are broken down into manageable assignments, ensuring consistent action and effective preparation.

Navigating Film Festivals with Success: Learn to strategically plan your calendar during the festival, ensuring you fully engage in key activities like networking and attending events, screenings, and panels. This approach helps you efficiently utilize your time, maximizing opportunities for success and connections in the festival circuit.

Filmmaker's Resource Hub: Access a comprehensive collection of essential resources, including film festival lists, industry contacts, discounts, and practical tools to enhance your filmmaking journey.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Kweighbaye Kotee is a Liberian-American writer, film producer, and entrepreneur. As the founder of the Bushwick Film Festival in Brooklyn and Starlit Pics, an LA-based production company, her film industry expertise has led to speaking invitations at prestigious events and institutions like TEDx, JPMorgan Chase, SAG-AFTRA, Google, Société Générale, Blackstone, and various universities. Her global impact includes co-producing a UN-backed women's peace film festival in West Africa and leading a Masterclass on film festival strategy in South America.

Kotee’s commitment to empowering women of color in the industry has garnered her recognition in a national PopSugar/Delta Airlines campaign and accolades from Lucy Liu. She has also been featured in various media outlets, including NBC, Fox, NY1, Deadline, and Pix11.

Having immigrated to the U.S. due to the Liberian civil war, she attended public school in Newark and received a Wight Foundation scholarship to Blair Academy before earning a B.S. in Media, Culture, and Communications from NYU.

Currently, she is developing scripts sourced from BFF Alumni and working on her debut feature film—a compelling story of an astronomer's transformative journey to her late grandmother's West African village after a significant life event.