For a filmmaker, getting a rejection from a film festival is a heart-wrenching blow. Multiple rejections can be fatal in undermining confidence and self-worth, especially for someone starting out on their filmmaking journey. How do film festivals actually work? What is the thinking that drives the selection of films? Are there tips and strategies that improve one’s chances of getting into a film festival? Drawing on their long experience as film festival directors and programmers, Bina Paul, Meenakshi Shedde, Nashen Moodley and Ritu Sarin discuss the idiosyncratic nature of film festivals, their varying criteria for film selection, and the difficult decision-making process that always goes into finalising a programme.
Bina Paul: Award-winning film editor, former Artistic Director of the International Film Festival of Kerala, and Director of Programming for Dharamshala International Film Festival
Meenakshi Shedde: Independent film curator and critic, and Indian and South Asian programmer for the Berlin Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, and Jio Mami Mumbai Film Festivals.
Nashen Moodley: Festival Director of Sydney Film Festival, Programming Consultant for Dubai International Film Festival, and former Head of Programming at the Durban International Film Festival.
Ritu Sarin: Filmmaker, artist, and Co-Founder and Co-Director of Dharamshala International Film Festival.
