Are Film Festivals Important?

Are Film Festivals Important? | A Discussion by Film Probe

Festivals — What are they for?

Film Festivals come in all shapes and sizes, from a modest local gathering to grand international events but they all have one thing in common; celebrating cinema. Each festival, no matter the scale, showcases an array of films and honours the filmmakers behind it. 

Displaying features from thought provoking documentaries, experimental projects and visually captivating masterpieces; Film Festivals are a safe space for creatives. 

Film Festivals can range in specificity. Showcasing a variety of films from smaller, niche festivals focused on specific genres, themes or formats like short films.

Film Festivals offer emerging talents and established filmmakers a platform to share their work with the world.

The Big Five — Large Scale

Major film festivals like ‘The Big Five’ are highly regarded due to their prestige, influence and the impact they have on the film industry. These festivals are recognised globally by filmmakers, actors, and audiences alike for launching careers, showcasing groundbreaking films and sometimes shaping the future of cinema. 

The Big Five festivals are considered more than just film screenings. Each festival is a spectacle of art, celebrating storytelling and connecting the world through cinema, story and fashion. 

Venice Film Festival was first held in 1932 and is widely considered the world's first film festival. 

The standing ovation phenomenon at Cannes.  Guillermo Del Toro's ‘Pans Labyrinth’ (2006) record with 22 minute ovation

Experience — Small Scale

Smaller scale film festivals take place all over the world, in the UK each major city has their own film festival. Smaller scale festivals often focus on the community rather than impact. 

These festivals offer a chance for independent filmmakers and emerging talent to showcase their projects to an audience. 

These festivals are more intimate and offer a chance to network within the industry, meet likeminded people and grow your community.

The concept of ‘smaller scale’ film festivals can still attract industry professionals and celebrities alike. Festivals like Tribeca, Locarno or BFI are still globally recognised but offer a more intimate approach. 

Smaller scale festivals are more accessible for emerging talent, mostly anyone can apply for a ticket. Making film festivals accessible for everyone and anyone to enjoy to cinema.

Film Community

Opportunities, friendships and potential collaborations form when attending a film festival. Although networking can be tough, it is key when you want to be part of the film and television industry. 

Meeting people, making an impression and sharing your work is vulnerable and important.  Film Festivals offer the perfect opportunity to put yourself out there, meet likeminded people and hopefully get some work out of it!

As I said, festivals are a chance to network but also festivals are a chance to involve yourself in the community. Whether you’re a seasoned festival goer, a new timer, a prolific film watcher or a filmmaker - festivals give you a chance to talk about what you love. Festivals are usually filled with people who also love cinema, it is an opportunity to meet new people and discuss films... what’s better than that? 

Are Film Festivals Important? — Yes!

The number of film festivals fluctuates each year but roughly there is over 10,000 film festivals hosted annually. With a range of large scale international events to smaller, local festivals. Film Festivals are important because they connect filmmakers and creatives, the events can fuel film careers and be used as a launchpad for meeting collaborators and celebrating cinema. 

Festivals serve as a vital platform for showcasing independent and experimental film alongside the mainstream releases. Film Festivals foster new talent and influencing the future of filmmaking and cinema. Inspiring new filmmakers to pick up a camera and create something. 

Novella Film Festival

Novella Film Festival is a microcosm of what the future of film should look like.

Combining the traditional festival format with the modern world’s progression towards equality and celebration of diversity, Novella gives voice to untold stories, and helps young and/or inexperienced filmmakers get into the industry and make it their own.

Film Probe— Jury Member

I am excited to announce I will be a juror for Novella film festival 2025. 

I am a huge advocate and lover of film festivals both big and small. I believe it is the perfect opportunity for filmmakers and creatives to network, share their work and celebrate cinema in all forms. This is my first time as a jury member and I can beyond excited. 

Thank you for reading.