Why submitting to film festivals feels broken
Film festival submissions shouldn’t feel like gambling – but for many filmmakers, they do. Here are some of the main reasons filmmakers struggle with submissions:
- Thousands of festivals, with very little transparency
- Rising submission fees, with no real accountability
- Scam and ‘vanity’ festivals targeting new filmmakers
- Platforms that rarely explain what’s really happening behind the scenes
Given this landscape, it’s no surprise many filmmakers struggle – the system is opaque by design, not by accident.
Who’s behind this site?
I’m Anthony Straeger, an independent filmmaker, author, and researcher focused on how film festivals and submission platforms really operate. Since 2020, I’ve documented patterns in festival behaviour, investigated scam and ‘vanity’ festivals, and spoken with filmmakers who’ve lost time and money navigating an opaque system. This site exists to bring clarity where there is none and to help filmmakers make informed decisions before spending another submission fee.
(Author of An Independent Filmmaker’s Guide to Preparing and Submitting to Film Festivals and Reading the Warning Signs on FilmFreeway)
Ways I can help
1. Learn
Books and concise guides that explain how festival submissions really work, and how to avoid common traps.
2. Stay Informed
Ongoing analysis, scam alerts, and industry insights through my Substack briefing.
3. Get Direct Help
One-to-one consultation for filmmakers who want clarity before spending more money.
A great way to start is with my free Film Festival Submissions Readiness Checklist. It is aimed at making you think before submitting
Exposing scam and dubious film festivals
Over the years, I have documented patterns of festival fraud with the intention of promoting clarity and honesty rather than instilling fear. This includes misleading practices and systemic problems that impact independent filmmakers.
Trusted by filmmakers and industry professionals
Thank you greatly for sending this information! I very much appreciate your time in helping filmmakers like myself.
Thomas Burke (Director of Camping Fun)
This is a great help, thank you. I’ve read it over and it seems like a trailer. I add the key points to my submission.
Lauren R. Fritz – (Educationalist and filmmaker at New York University)
Mike Hay (Director of Even The Rats)
If you want to read some more. Click on this: Testimonials
And for a selection of articles. Click here: Media
Before you submit to another festival…
Get the free Film Festival Submissions Readiness Checklist. In the end, it will save you time and stop you from wasting money on festivals. It helps you recognise red flags, avoid scams, and submit with confidence.
