At FilmFreeway, our goal is to provide simple, reliable and trustworthy submissions to film festivals and creative contests for filmmakers and artists everywhere. This is only possible when filmmakers trust all festivals and contests on FilmFreeway to act in a professional, ethical and honest fashion. While we work diligently to thoroughly vet each event, occasionally, fraudulent or suspicious activities may go unnoticed initially. However, once we become aware of any red flags or reports, we investigate them promptly to take appropriate actions, including removing the festival from our platform if necessary.
Your vigilance plays an essential role in maintaining a secure platform. Here are some tips and red flags to help you recognize and avoid potentially dishonest festivals:
1. Research the Festival Thoroughly
Check the Festival's Website: Ensure the website is professional, functional, and provides detailed information about past events, awards, and partnerships.
Look for Transparency: A legitimate festival will include clear details about its location, schedule, team, and contact information.
Review Past Winners: Reputable festivals usually showcase past winners, screenings, or photos/videos from previous events.
2. Verify the Venue Information
Look for Specific Details: A credible festival should clearly state the venue name and location for screenings or events. We take this a step further by directly verifying these details with venue representatives to ensure their accuracy and reliability.
Contact the Venue: While we make every effort to verify venues, if you have any doubts, consider reaching out to the venue directly to confirm the booking. If anything seems suspicious, don’t hesitate to contact our team.
3. Check Reviews and Filmmaker Feedback
Read Public Reviews: Utilize FilmFreeway’s review system to see what other filmmakers have said about the festival.
Search Online Forums: Look for discussions about the festival on social media or filmmaker forums.
Watch for Patterns: Multiple negative reviews citing similar concerns may be a red flag.
4. Be Cautious of Unrealistic Promises
Beware of Overly Generous Offers: Be cautious of festivals that make grand promises, such as significant cash prizes, distribution deals, or extensive exposure, without providing credible evidence or a proven track record to support these claims.
5. Confirm Their Social Media Presence
Active and Professional Profiles: Legitimate festivals often maintain active social media accounts with real interactions and updates.
Verify Follower Authenticity: Be cautious of festivals with large followings but little engagement or questionable comments.
6. Understand Refund Policies
Look for Clear Policies: Trustworthy festivals will outline refund terms for cancellations or unexpected changes.
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to contact the festival if you need clarification.
7. Report Suspicious Activity
Contact FilmFreeway Support: If you suspect a festival may be fraudulent or have concerns, please email support@filmfreeway.com with all relevant details and any supporting evidence. Our team will review your concerns immediately and take the necessary action.
Together, We Can Keep Our Community Safe
Your vigilance and feedback are vital in protecting our amazing filmmaking community. By staying informed and reporting concerns, you help us ensure that FilmFreeway remains the trusted platform you rely on.
As always, please reach out to the support team if you need assistance or to report any suspicious activity.