Why Film Festivals are important for your filmmaking career

27 Jul 2022

The BFI Film Academy team welcomed BFI Film Academy Festival & Events Manager, Aleks Dimitrijevic, and filmmaker Will Wightman, to provide insight into the importance of film festivals for young filmmakers. 

1hr

The session explored the benefits of film festivals in offering platforms for aspiring filmmakers to present their creative ideas, talent and skill, network with industry professionals, make connections with other young creatives, and find collaborators for their future projects. Will and Aleks examined today’s youth film festival landscape and provided tips on finding the right festivals for your film and navigating the myriad of networking opportunities festivals offer. 

Will and Aleks were in conversation with Abby Pollock, Young Film Programmer (YFP) Presenter and Youth Jury Lead at the Cambridge Film Festival.

This event was part of the Career Ladder strand of BFI Film Academy Labs 2022/23.

About BFI Film Academy Labs 2022/23

Each event will be part of one of three strands: Business of Film, Career Ladder and Storytelling:

  • Business of Film: Helping you more fully understand the business of independent filmmaking.
  • Career Ladder: Insights into the range of different career and training opportunities that exist within the screen industries.
  • Storytelling: Find your unique voice and develop your stories for the screen.

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BFI Film Academy Labs

BFI Film Academy Labs are practical online sessions led by industry professionals with a focus on explaining the specifics of working in the screen industries. Sessions can take many formats: masterclasses, panel discussions, interviews or workshops. The Labs are programmed across three strands: Storytelling, Business of Film and Career Ladder.