Whether you are a movie fan or a filmmaker, the film fest experience can be about the amount of films you’d like to see or the kind of film you’d like to buy or sell. In any case, festivals like TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival), Tribeca and Sundance tend to dominate the North American landscape to such an extent that it may seem like they are the only festivals worth noting. But that isn’t the case at all as there are plenty of worthy contenders providing the same opportunities and feedback for fans and filmmaker alike. So, here are eight alternative film festivals that should be on everyone’s radar:
1. Slamdance
A sample of Slamdance’s eclectic programming from last year.
Founded more or less as a middle finger to the more prestigious Sundance Film Festival, Slamdance has grown into one of the more prominent fests in North America. And most assuredly, it is the second largest film festival based in Park City, UT. Founded in 1995, this “rebel” movie event has actually initiated the careers of many prominent filmmakers and screenwriters. Slamdance also has it’s own production arm ergo should you screen your film there, there’s a chance they’ll pick it up for distribution.
2. Brooklyn Film Festival
Photo credit: Brooklyn Film Festival
Sure, when you think of NYC film festivals names like “The New York Film Festival” and “Tribeca” come to mind. But the Brooklyn Film Festival is starting to get gain its fair share of respected notoriety. Since its inception in 2007 (when it used to be called the Brooklyn International Film Festival), Brooklyn has been championing experimental and independent film from all over the world.
3. DC Shorts Film Festival
Photo credit: DC Shorts Festival
Since 2003 this Washington, DC festival has been championing the art of short format cinema. According to Moviemaker it also has the “best feedback system on the circuit” with 30% of accepted shorts having been picked up for distribution in 2015.
4. The Stanley Film Festival
The Stanley Film Festival has already established itself as an effective markter via social. Attendees at the fest could be treated to an interactive mystery.
Barely three years old, The Stanley Film Fest is already getting a lot of coverage from movie bloggers and fan websites. Why? Because the festival’s home base is the Stanley Hotel, the inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining.” Since this is a horror centric festival, attendees are treated to many unique events and interactive experiences that are tantamount to staying at a haunted attraction for a weekend. Sure it sounds creepy. It also sounds like a helluva lot of fun.
5. Fantasia Film Festival
Believe it or not, this genre film festival (where screenings lean more towards the horror/fantasy/mondo cinema vibe) is one of Canada’s largest film festivals. And that’s saying quite a lot as our northern neighbor offers a slew of film related events from Quebec to British Columbia. However, next to Austin’s Fantastic Fest, Fantasia might be the biggest film fest for genre fans. Know what also helps? It’s held in beautiful Montreal every year.
6. Full Frame Documentary Film Festival
This Durham, North Carolina event is considered the preeminent festival focusing on documentary film. They also offer grants and workshops for up and coming filmmakers.
7. Rooftop Films
Photo credit: Rooftop Films
Many, many years ago the author of this piece had the pleasure to attend one of Rooftop Films’ early screenings. This was during the early 2000s. What at one time felt like an exclusive, secret party that would literally hold rooftop screenings of cult films and recently completed work is now one of NYC’s most popular summer events. And, yes, they still hold screenings on rooftops in various locations in New York. Showings usually start off with live music so attending a film is not unlike going to a party or bar venue featuring your favorite garage band. But, like, it’s all outdoors, man.
8. Traverse City Film Festival
Photo credit: Traverse City Film Festival
Famed documentarian Michael Moore co-founded this Northern Michigan film festival back in 2005. While it may not have the cache of say a Toronto International Film Festival or Tribeca, it is certainly gaining more popularity with every year. A lot of the films screened here already tend to have distribution in place. However, Traverse City does offer the opportunity to check out films that have gained strong buzz at festivals all over the world in one place.
