FilmFreeway currently lists thousands of festivals open for submission, an overwhelming selection of options for even the most seasoned industry professional. Navigating such a cornucopia of choices is a learned practice, but any process must start with careful consideration of your goals. A live-action short film with Academy Award aspirations will tread a much different path than a socially prescient documentary that pushes for urgent political change. A BIPOC filmmaker with their first project might submit to a festival with ample grant opportunities that cater to underserved communities, while a seasoned veteran with a large and famous cast will look toward globally prestigious festivals—though, of course, none of these imaginary filmmakers are mutually exclusive.
While all festivals offer an inherent opportunity for networking and industry connections, not every event centers this aspect as prominently as others. One useful tool is MovieMaker Magazine’s list of “Festivals Worth the Entry Fee,” which curates a few dozen destinations whose return on investment is noticeably large.
But say you’re looking for a festival that can help grow your career in a more niche manner? These four fests are a great place to start.
Portland Film Festival
Founded in 2013, this festival is dedicated to more than film programming; its organizers understand the importance of a modern marketplace where creatives can exchange ideas. There are a ton of networking opportunities to be had here, from panel discussions to meet-and-greets to guest workshops. The list of attendees has included a veritable treasure trove of A-list stars and indie darlings, including Northwest filmmaking icon Kelly Reichardt, indie cinema legend Mario Van Peebles, and Oscar winner Susan Sarandon. Also keep in mind, the fest takes place in Oregon in the fall—believe us, it’s a good time to go.
The Portland Film Festival’s next run is October 1–5, 2025. Submit here.
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New Orleans Film Festival
NOFF is an Oscar-qualifying event that’s been running for 36 years. The team behind the festival believes in a system in which filmmakers get paid for screening their work(!) and promotes equity through an impressive demographic that puts diverse artists at the forefront. According to the festival’s website, at least 50% of the selected films will be from women and gender non-conforming creatives, and at least 50% will come from filmmakers of color.
That alone speaks volumes about the opportunities at play for participants, who can expect an atmosphere of radical inclusion and a multitude of spaces for cross-pollination. “New Orleans’ unique sense of place informs the festival experience—filmmakers, industry players, and cinephiles experience films and events at pop-up and passionately preserved historic venues, and rub elbows in Hollywood South amidst the strong undercurrent of revelry native to the Crescent City,” says its website.
And if you’re a Louisiana local, the opportunities are even more apparent. NOFF and the sponsoring New Orleans Film Society have proven to be in the business of nurturing local talent through the Homegrown for the Holidays series and a Southern Producers Lab. In 2024, 26% of the films were made by Louisiana filmmakers.
The New Orleans Film Festival’s next run is October 23–28, 2025. Submit here.
HollyShorts Film Festival
As of 2023, this L.A.-based, short film–exclusive festival is Oscar and BAFTA– qualifying in all three short competitions. At the 97th Academy Awards, five films were nominated that were first screened at HollyShorts. That in itself makes the fest an opportunity for the roughly 400 films programmed annually at the historic TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood. But the sheer volume of filmmakers present is its own reward.
Spanning 10 days in August, HollyShorts typically pairs together thematically linked films, providing chances to mix and mingle with artists and industry pros with similar sensibilities. Most years feature panels on a range of topics, from budgeting to tools and technology to proper networking strategies. (Yes, you can network while learning how to network.) Most importantly, the festival treats short films as its own worthwhile art form, rather than as a stepping stone to feature films, which can automatically help even the greenest of filmmakers feel like they’re rubbing shoulders with the greats.
The HollyShorts Film Festival’s next run will be August 7–17, 2025. Submit here.
Raindance Film Festival
London’s long-running summer program is uniquely situated among international festivals thanks to the equal attention it pays to both emerging filmmakers and the industry’s leading voices. It has been the home for the U.K. premieres of iconic films like “Memento” and “The Blair Witch Project,” while also consistently showcasing young and diverse talent.
“Raindance is renowned for its networking potential,” the festival promises. “We attract distributors, producers, and industry insiders. We organize panels, Q&A sessions, and social events [that] create organic opportunities to forge valuable connections.”
The kicker? Raindance offers opportunities to network and hone your craft after the festival through its year-round film training program.
The Raindance Film Festival’s next run will be June 18–27, 2026. Submit here.
Ultimately, this is just a small selection of festivals for networking opportunities. Any submission process must begin with an honest appraisal of one’s work. But when the day comes, it’s important to know that you’re spending your precious time in the right places, with the right people.
