Should I Submit My Film to Big Festivals or Smaller Ones?

It’s the classic filmmaker dilemma: do you go big and aim for the star-studded festivals, or do you keep it local and build from the ground up?

Here’s the honest answer: both have their place, but the real trick is understanding why you’re submitting in the first place.

The big festival advantage

Submitting to larger, often Oscar-qualifying festivals can be a huge boost. It’s about getting your film in front of a massive, diverse audience and generating buzz. You might get press coverage, meet industry pros at a high level, and gain a certain prestige just by being in the lineup.

But here’s the twist: while that exposure is fantastic, it might not be the best move for your world premiere if your cast, crew, and core supporters are local.

The power of regional festivals

This is where smaller or regional festivals shine. If you made your film with a local crew, those are the people who are most excited to see it on the big screen. They’re your built-in audience. A regional festival lets you have a packed house full of people who were part of the journey from the start. That premiere becomes a celebration, not just a screening.

It’s about momentum from the ground up. Those local supporters will spread the word, and that word-of-mouth can be just as powerful as any headline.

Screenwriters, take note

If you’re a screenwriter submitting a script, the strategy is a little different. You’re not aiming for a “premiere” in the same way, but you can still be strategic. Submit to festivals in locations where you’d love to produce your screenplay. That way, you’re already building local connections and scouting the terrain before you ever roll camera.

The bottom line

It’s not just about big or small festivals — it’s about aligning your festival choices with your ultimate goals. If you want prestige and press, aim for a few big names. If you want a community-driven, packed-house premiere, start regional. And if you’re a writer, think about where you want your story to live and grow.

Because at the end of the day, the right festival isn’t just the biggest one. It’s the one that moves you closer to where you want to go.