Film and Pen

Submission Strategy

2 articles

An independent filmmaker strategizing film festival submissions, surrounded by paperwork and a world map, symbolizing the global reach and challenges of festival circuits.
Film & TV

How Film Festival Submission Strategies for Independent Filmmakers Work in 2026

Submitting a short film to Sundance can cost up to $95, a fee that multiplies quickly across multiple festivals and categories for independent filmmakers.

Julian Mercer·July 10, 2026
An independent filmmaker planning their film festival submissions, surrounded by film reels, documents, and a laptop displaying festival information.
Film & TV

How to Create a Film Festival Submission Plan for Independent Filmmakers

For the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, registration alone opened on February 9th, 2026.

Julian Mercer·April 15, 2026