The Hustle: How To Network at Film Festivals to Create Meaningful Connections
Photo by Matthew Moloney on Unsplash
Attending a film festival can feel like stepping into a tireless whirlwind of creative strangers, energy everywhere, amazing screenings and as always - endless ways to overthink the small talk. Meeting new people can be intimidating and as someone with anxiety, I really understand how everyday situations can cause pressure. But with some mindset adjustments, a little preparation, and a pep talk in the mirror (no really!) we have faith that you’ll be ready for your next film festival and confident in your approach. It’s important to branch out of your comfort zone and build connections for your career overall. Whether you're a filmmaker, writer, producer, or just someone curious on how to get started in the industry, we’ve got some tips to help you navigate networking at film festivals without feeling awkward!
Practice How You’ll Introduce Yourself
You don’t need a perfectly polished elevator pitch, but having a natural, short way to introduce yourself gives you something to fall back on if you fall short on words. When you meet someone you can share 1) a bit about who you are, 2) what you do, 3) and what brought you to the festival. Then ask them the same. This is a clear, intentional approach that you’ll be able to remember even if you start to get a little overwhelmed.. This framework encourages each person to share a little about themselves, even in a small group and can inspire follow up questions in the conversation.
Make an Impression by Being Yourself
Creative folks who resonate with your vision or your journey will gravitate to you. By presenting your best professional self you’ll be able to make true connections. Don’t be like everyone else, be you. Instead of trying to impress folks with your resume or industry jargon, be memorable and approachable by being uniquely you. The best connections happen when you’re just being yourself. When you share your interests, passions, and creative aspirations and approach conversations with a sense of curiosity, you’re set up for success. Don’t hesitate to talk about the struggles and triumphs you’ve faced as you carve out space for yourself in the industry. When we embrace vulnerability, we create room for others to do the same. This openness not only helps to foster connection but also empowers your community to push boundaries together.
Be an Active Listener
Now this one seems obvious, but being an active listener will do wonders with leaving a lasting impression. And if you’re anything like me, it’ll also help you remember who you spoke to at such a busy event. Being an active listener means being fully present in the conversation which looks like nodding and other body cues like making eye contact, putting your phone away, and asking follow up questions. Listen to what someone is saying, don’t just think of what you want to respond to bring back to yourself. Let others share their stories, think of resources you can share with them or friends you think might get along with each other for work! It’s often said that people remember how you make them feel, and letting others feel heard is a great way to build strong connections.
Don't Rely on Alcohol for Networking
While it’s tempting to use alcohol as an icebreaker, relying on it too heavily can dilute the authenticity of your connections. Have fun and take part in festival happy hours and other additional events but be aware of your limits and the reason WHY you’re at the festival. Remember that it's a film festival not the club or a dating scene, you’ll make a better impression and have more thoughtful, genuine conversations if you keep things grounded. Approach networking with a clear mind and focus on building real, meaningful relationships and if you need to, order a soda or a mocktail to feel fancy in all of the fun!
Share Your Festival Experience Online
Film festivals thrive on community and visibility. You would be surprised by the number of institutions we love that are on the edge of financial issues or otherwise need our support. Share your experience on social media whether it’s a panel, a cool filmmaker you met, or a memorable screening. Make sure you tag filmmakers, the panels, and the festival itself, to help with visibility, so that others can follow you back, repost your coverage and keep engaged. This has also been a hack to get noticed by folks from the festival that maybe you didn’t get a personal chance to meet, such as a keynote speaker.
Follow Up and Stay Connected
If you meet someone you vibe with, don’t be shy! Get their email address or social media handles to stay in touch. Networking doesn’t stop when the festival ends. In fact that’s just the beginning. Making meaningful connections happens by staying in touch and supporting one another’s journeys, even after the festival is over.
Networking at film festivals doesn’t have to be stressful. It’s all about connection, community, and conversation. Show up as yourself, stay curious, and remember that some of the best career moves can start with a casual chat at a Q&A or a coffee after a screening. The more you put yourself out there, the more you’ll find your people.