I have been originally thinking to follow classical festival strategy for our short film and start with submitting to the major festivals for the World Premiere. However, we've just got interest from Amnesty International to show the film at a series of their exhibitions throughout the UK (which I assume can be called a non-theatrical distribution?). My question is if such a screening could be considered a world premiere.
Regards, Polina
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Hey Polina, With shorts usually there is no requirement for a film to be a premiere, though often it is desired. Given the presentation of your film with Amnesty, you'd probably have to go on a case by case basis as to what they would consider to be premiere. I'd say enter all the fests you want, deal with this if the film gets selected.
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Kay Luke, what is a difference between debut and premiere?
It varies per festival. Most festivals will state clearly if they want a premiere (or if your film is a premiere) If it’s the first time screening in a country, then it’s a premiere. If it’s different states, first time in each, it’s a premiere. If it’s the first time playing in that continent, then it’s considered a premiere as well. A debut is different. It’s usually when it screens the first time ever (at least from what I know, I may be incorrect) In most cases, just go by judgement. Read the rules and regulations of each film festival and go from there.
Hey Polina
Some theatrical and non theatrical screenings could let you out of some festivals. The only allowed screenings are the "Avant-Premiere" status, which means it´s private screening for cast, crew members and posible distributors. Industry related screening and not for audiences.
It´s very to choose carefully which festival you want to premiere first as it´s mainly by territory. World premiere for the A list festivals it´s the most wanted. Then by continent, by country.
The mayor advise is, start with the most prestiges festivals by date and territories first, and then scale down to the B list festivals and so on. Remember, generally short films has a 2 years life span on festival circuit. This mean, prestigious festivals accept films that are not been produced than 2 years before.
Hope it helps