...I'm not sure of what exactly, but I have a few theories.
There are tons of them around the world, all with their own acceptance process. if only I knew each of their standards perhaps I could make the most of my submission money. I'm proud to say that, so far, I've been accepted into three festivals. On the flip side to that, I've also been rejected by two. Out of curiousity, I visited those two festival's web sites and found several films that I've had the priveledge to screen with at other festivals. However, some of those films (strictly opinion) we're just awful. *note I said "some". others were increadibly amazing films that don't surprise me of their acceptance. now here comes theory one:
1. film festivals are a breeding ground for envy: why is my film not good for some festivals, while other crappier films are? In turn I must hate those films because of that. however, the films that are better than mine just make me plain envious.
I understand that some film festivals need to be unique in order to compete with larger film festivals. but this begs the question, "if film festivals are meant to spread the love of film, why do many of them have a specific class of film that they will show?" because my film does not endorse political, ethnic or sexual preference, does that make my film less of a film? Obviously I won't submit to a "gay and lesbian film festival" if my film doesn't promote that, however, you're fooling yourself if you think that the screeners don't push a film up the ranks if it doesn't appeal to them personally. (I.E. one of the crappier films had scenes that may have been perceived as "edgy" or "experimental", subsequently leading to their accptance). now heres theory two:
2. Film festivals are a breeding ground for dogmatism: after writing that I realize how harsh that may sound, and I appologize for the offense. nontheless, it is a theory of mine and as we all know, theories are an IDEA used to account for a situation. because I don't believe in elitism where art is conserned, this theory is based on an individuals views therefore, it must be dogmatism.
now due to laziness, I'll just give you my third (and best) theory with no prelude (although i think it speaks for itself):
3. film festivals are a breeding ground for better films: I know damn well that my current best will never be my over all best if I don't stop trying to progress.
**if you've read this, i hope you don't hate me for it**
