Demystifying Film Festivals
Demystifying Film Festivals
Why some films get in - and others don’t
Film festivals aren’t just about how good your film is. They’re about strategy, timing. This session pulls back the curtain on how festivals really work - and how filmmakers can use them intentionally rather than blindly submitting and hoping for the best.
This practical masterclass is designed to give filmmakers clarity, confidence, and a clear framework for navigating festivals without wasting time, money, or momentum.
What You’ll Learn
How the festival ecosystem actually works - and what programmers are really looking for
Funding a festival circuit
How to build a tailored festival strategy for your specific film
What submission materials genuinely make a difference
How to make the most of getting into a film festival, and convert that into real successes
Which festivals are scams
Thinking beyond festivals: distribution, release strategy, and a film’s afterlife
Who This Is For
This masterclass is for filmmakers who want to take their development seriously, including:
Filmmakers who want to learn more about the film festival circuit.
Filmmakers with a short film in development, post-production, or ready to submit to festivals.
Filmmakers who’ve submitted before and felt unsure what went wrong
Why You Should Come
Most filmmakers lose momentum not because their work lacks talent, but because they lack strategy. This session will help you avoid common pitfalls, make informed decisions, and use festivals as a tool — not a mystery or a measure of self-worth.
Plus, you get access to the recording for 8 weeks to go over the session as many times as you'd like!
About the Facilitator
The session is led by Shehroze Khan, a multiple award-winning Writer & Director whose short films have screened and won at Oscar- and BAFTA-qualifying festivals including Tribeca, Rhode Island, Flickerfest, Pan African, Tasveer and more.
With over a decade of experience navigating the international festival circuit and working in HETV, Shehroze brings a director-led, honest perspective focused on what actually works. Through Eskay Films, he shares gate-kept industry knowledge in a clear, accessible way.