Your film has been accepted to a film festival—now what?

Receiving an official selection is one of the most rewarding moments in a filmmaker’s journey. After months—or even years—of writing, fundraising, filming, editing, and submitting, you’ve finally received the email every filmmaker hopes for:

“We’re pleased to inform you that your film has been officially selected…”

It’s an incredible feeling.

Then reality sets in.

How do you prepare? What should you bring? What happens during a film festival? And how can you make the most of the opportunity?

Whether you’re attending your first festival or your fiftieth, preparation can make the difference between simply screening your film and creating lasting relationships that help your filmmaking career grow.

At the Utah International Film Festival, we’ve welcomed filmmakers from around the world, and we’ve seen firsthand how thoughtful preparation helps create memorable festival experiences.

This complete film festival checklist will help you arrive confident, organized, and ready to enjoy every moment.

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1. Start Planning as Soon as You’re Accepted

Don’t wait until the week before your screening to make travel plans or gather promotional materials. The earlier you prepare, the more relaxed you’ll be when festival week arrives.

Before leaving home, confirm:

• Your screening date and time
• Hotel reservations
• Travel itinerary
• Transportation plans
• Festival credentials or passes
• Screening venue information
• Emergency contact information

Download important emails and schedules to your phone in case internet service becomes unavailable.

2. Verify Your Screening File

Nothing creates unnecessary stress faster than technical problems.

Every film festival has different delivery specifications, so carefully review the festival’s screening requirements before submitting your final file.

Before sending your screening copy:

• Watch the entire exported file from beginning to end.
• Verify picture quality.
• Listen to the complete audio mix.
• Confirm subtitles display correctly.
• Check aspect ratio and resolution.
• Verify the runtime matches your submission.
• Review end credits one final time.

Just because your film plays correctly on your editing computer doesn’t guarantee it will perform perfectly in a theater.

3. Bring More Promotional Materials Than You Think You’ll Need

Your film opens the conversation—but your promotional materials help people remember you after it ends.

• Business cards
• Postcards
• Small posters
• A QR code linking to your website or Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
• Festival laurels
• Your trailer
• Social media information
• A digital press kit

Simple, professional materials make it easy for collaborators, journalists, and fellow filmmakers to reconnect after the festival.

4. Dress Professionally—and Comfortably

You don’t need designer clothing or a tuxedo.

You simply want to look polished, approachable, and comfortable.

Remember, you’ll likely be:

• Walking a red carpet
• Taking photos
• Participating in interviews
• Meeting producers and distributors
• Attending panels
• Sitting through multiple screenings

Comfort matters just as much as appearance.

5. Prepare Your One-Minute Introduction

Many festivals invite filmmakers to briefly introduce their films before the screening.

Keep it simple.

• Thank the audience.
• Thank the festival.
• Recognize your cast and crew.
• Offer just enough context to spark curiosity.

A heartfelt one-minute introduction often creates more excitement than a lengthy speech.

6. Be Ready for the Q&A

After your screening, audiences want to hear the story behind your story.

• What inspired the film?
• How long did production take?
• What was your biggest challenge?
• Was it based on a true story?
• What’s your next project?

You don’t need rehearsed answers. Authenticity is far more memorable than perfection.

7. Promote Your Screening Before You Arrive

Film festivals promote their official selections, but your own marketing efforts help bring even more people into the theater.

8. Watch Your Film With a Live Audience

No focus group compares to experiencing your film with a live audience.

9. Network Naturally

Networking isn’t about collecting business cards. It’s about building genuine relationships.

10. Capture the Experience

Your festival journey is part of your film’s story.

11. Follow Up After the Festival

The festival may end, but your relationships shouldn’t.

Common First-Time Film Festival Mistakes

• Waiting until the last minute to book travel.
• Forgetting promotional materials.
• Talking only about your own film.
• Skipping other screenings.
• Leaving immediately after your screening.
• Not following up afterward.

Printable Film Festival Checklist

• ☐ Confirm screening schedule
• ☐ Verify travel reservations
• ☐ Review your screening file
• ☐ Pack promotional materials
• ☐ Prepare your introduction
• ☐ Review common Q&A questions
• ☐ Schedule social media posts
• ☐ Attend other screenings
• ☐ Meet new filmmakers
• ☐ Follow up after the festival

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring to a film festival?

Bring business cards, promotional materials, your EPK, comfortable professional clothing, your screening schedule, and any requested files.

Final Thoughts

Being selected by a film festival is an accomplishment worth celebrating. At the Utah International Film Festival, we believe every screening is an opportunity to celebrate creativity, encourage collaboration, and strengthen the independent filmmaking community.

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