Looking for an activity that engages your intellect, captures your imagination and touches your heart? Attend one of the many film festivals that take place throughout Ohio every year. Festivals show the best of cinema from around the world,
and right here in Ohio, with feature-length and short, narrative, documentary and animated features, all within the span
of a few days.
“Movies, and seeing them together, is a long-standing tradition that brings people together to engage in one of society’s most cherished traditions, storytelling,”
Eric Mahoney, director of the Yellow Springs Film Festival
Ten Tips to Maximize Your Film Festival Experience
1
Become familiar with each festival’s identity to help you determine which festival you would most enjoy with like-minded filmgoers. Whether you are interested in documentaries or shorts, horror or foreign films,
you are likely to find a festival that matches your interests.
2
Before you attend, chart your course. Review the films, days, times and theater locations so you can plan your itinerary. We recommend attending as an all-access passholder so that you can experience the film festival as a VIP. You’ll more easily gain entrance to the on-demand films and maximize the number of films you see.
3
Immerse yourself. One of the best aspects of film festivals is the opportunity to interact with expert panels, producers, directors and other talented individuals involved in creating the films. Mingle with filmmakers at post-film Q&As. Dive deeper into the filmmaking process or the story behind the movie.
4
Go outside your comfort zone. Documentary films from around the globe enlighten attendees with often powerful and inspirational close-up looks at compelling topics. Or catch the shorts buzz. Film festivals are typically the only chance you’ll get to see this distilled and impactful format. Many of them are quite funny.
5
Make connections. Film festivals promote discourse and connectivity. You can’t help but leave the theater in discussion with a seat neighbor regarding the content and quality of the film. Cherish conversations with your film-going partners. Participate in the many sidebar events such as lectures, networking, parties, special guests, music, demonstrations and more. And don’t miss the awards ceremonies!
6
Take a trip around the globe without ever leaving town. Film festivals present the rare opportunity to watch stories from a wide geographic range of filmmakers offering new viewpoints on the world. Make a list of the countries you’ve “visited” during your event.
7
Account for comfort. Dress comfortably as you’ll be doing a lot of sitting but you’ll also be moving between venues. Shoes that are easy on your feet are a must! Don’t forget snacks. If you are jamming in as many films as you can during the festival, there will come a time when one film starts just as another ends. You will miss lunch or dinner. A little bite in your pocket or purse will come in handy.
8
Respect the filmmakers and the audience. Attendees are serious cinephiles, so avoid talking during films, and please turn off that cell phone!
9
Document your experience with selfies (not of the actual movie, of course), social media posts and journaling.
10
Explore! Take advantage of the local setting, its restaurants, tourist attractions and points of interest.
Looking for an opportunity to attend an Ohio film festival? Find a list of Ohio film festivals HERE. We’ll see you there!
L to R: Emilio Estevez at Over the Rhine Film Festival, Chagrin Documentary Film Festival, Short. Sweet. Film Fest.