Film Festivals

Our Charthouse original short film, "First Time Caller," has officially hit the festival circuit and has won several awards, including Best Thriller, Best Cinematography, and Official Selection. For the Charthouse team, this is a huge win and a big step in the right direction. But if you're not involved in the film industry, you may be wondering why this is important. In this blog, we will talk about different types of film festivals, the importance of submitting to a film festival, and other short films that were in the festival circuit and turned into feature films.

Stills: Palme d'Or Winners The Conversation, Barton Fink, Pulp Fiction, Paris Texas & Taxi Driver

Credit: American Zoetrope, Working Title Films, Miramax, Road Movies Film Produktions & Columbia Pcitures

When most people think of film festivals, the first two that comes to mind is usually Sundance or Cannes. But what exactly are they? And then there are those festivals where your roommate's cousin's best friend's little sister won Best Picture at the SPLAT! Semi-Annual South Eastern Virginia Body Horror Film Festival, and you have no clue what that means. Well, these are all different types of festivals some big, some small, one I just made up. It all can be categorized by International and National.

International film festivals are the most prestigious and well-known type of festival. They showcase films from all over the world and draw in a global audience. National film festivals, on the other hand, focus on films produced within a specific country. These festivals celebrate local talent and give filmmakers a chance to showcase their work to a domestic audience.

If you're into specific genres, then genre-specific film festivals are where you want to be. These festivals focus on films that fall within a particular genre, like horror, comedy, or documentary. They're a great platform for filmmakers to show their work to an audience that is specifically interested in that genre.

Short film festivals, on the other hand, focus exclusively on short films that are typically 40 minutes or less in length. These festivals provide a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work, and can serve as a stepping stone to larger festivals and feature film projects.

But here's the thing - some festivals can be a mix of these categories. For instance, we've submitted First Time Caller to several festivals, and they've been a mix of national and international, as well as genre-specific. So it really depends on what kind of festival you're interested in, and what kind of audience you're hoping to reach.

There's a saying in the film industry that has turned into a joke, where some slimy producer or director will say, 'This project will give you a lot of exposure' (the joke being that you can't pay your rent with exposure). However, exposure is one of the most important things a film festival can give your film. By submitting your film to a festival, you can give it the exposure it needs to reach a wider audience. Festivals are attended by industry professionals, including agents, producers, and distributors who are always on the lookout for the next big thing. By showcasing your film at a festival, you increase the chances of it being seen by these professionals and potentially getting picked up for distribution.

However, distribution is small and far between, unless you're in one of the big festivals (even then, it can be a long shot). But by having your film in a festival, you're able to network. Film festivals are a great place to meet other filmmakers and industry professionals. Attendees are often willing to discuss their projects and offer advice, and you never know who you might meet that could lead to future collaborations or opportunities.

One of the best things about having your film in a film festival is celebrating your hard work and sharing it with others who appreciate the art of filmmaking. Winning an award for your film is one of the most validating feelings ever

Stills: Sundance Grand JuryPrize Winners Barton Fink, Minari, Beasts Of The Southern Wild,, & Winter’s Bone

Credit: Working Title Films, Plan B Entertainment, Cinereach, & Anonymous Content

Stills: First Time Caller, Whiplash, Napoleon Dynamite, & Bottle Rocket

Credit: Charthouse Films, Blumhouse Productions, Searchlight Pictures, & Columbia Pictures

The goal for First Time Caller is to make it a feature film and not just a short film. I like to think of it as a proof of concept. You might be wondering if it has been done before, and the answer is yes, more times than you'd expect! Academy Award winner Whiplash, the cult classic Napoleon Dynamite, and the career-launching Bottle Rocket all started as short films.

Whiplash was written and directed by Damien Chazelle and premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. It received critical acclaim and won the Short Film Jury Prize. Chazelle used its success to secure funding for a feature-length version that was released in 2014. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning five Academy Award nominations and winning three.

Napoleon Dynamite is a quirky comedy about a socially awkward high schooler. It was originally a short film created by Jared and Jerusha Hess. The short was so well-received that it caught the attention of producers who helped fund a feature-length version. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2004, became a cult classic, and even spawned a cartoon series.

Bottle Rocket was the debut film of director Wes Anderson and was made with his friend and frequent collaborator, Owen Wilson. This crime-comedy began as a 13-minute short film in 1992. The short caught the attention of a producer who gave Anderson and the Wilson brothers the opportunity to turn it into a full-length feature that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 1996. Although the film didn't perform well at the box office, it was critically acclaimed and helped launch Anderson's career as a filmmaker.

You know, attending film festivals can be such a rewarding experience! Not only do you get to see amazing films from up-and-coming filmmakers, but you also get to support the creative community and help them achieve their dreams. It's like being a part of something bigger than just watching a movie.

And that's why the festival circuit is so crucial to filmmakers like us at Charthouse. These festivals offer a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and get it in front of industry professionals, potential investors, and audiences who appreciate their craft. It's a chance for us to make connections, receive feedback, and gain exposure that can help take our projects to the next level.

Plus, film festivals often have a unique atmosphere that you just can't replicate in a regular movie theater. There's a sense of community and excitement that comes with being surrounded by other film enthusiasts, and it can be really inspiring to see what other creatives are doing and hear their stories.

So, if you haven't already, I highly encourage you to attend some local film festivals and support the artists who are pouring their hearts into their work. You never know what you might discover, and who knows, you might even walk away feeling inspired to pursue your own creative dreams!

For The Love Of Movies,

Jonathan Austin