The Future of Film Festivals: Are They Still Worth It?

Introduction

For decades, film festivals have been the way to launch a film into the industry. But with the rise of streaming and digital-first distribution, are festivals still the golden ticket they once were?

The Pros of Film Festivals Today

✅ Industry Credibility: Festivals still hold weight, especially major ones like Sundance and TIFF.
✅ Networking Opportunities: Meeting the right people in person can change a career.
✅ Potential for Theatrical Distribution: Some films still get picked up by traditional distributors.

The Downsides

🚫 Expensive & Competitive: Entry fees, travel, and promotion costs add up.
🚫 Not Always the Best Path to Distribution: Many films skip festivals entirely and go straight to digital platforms.

The Alternative?

At Fragrant Film, we focus on direct-to-audience strategies that bypass traditional gatekeepers. While festivals can still be valuable, today’s smartest filmmakers are also exploring AVOD, SVOD, and hybrid release models to get their films seen.