Filmmaking / Directing : Festival Submission Services by Art Arutyunyan

It's a challenge but a worthwhile one. I've been submitting to festivals for the past 3 years and have had many positive results. I would say it's worth the money. Look out for they have discount and waiver codes at FilmFreeway.

I also used film freeway.com - it was the easiest for me to have most all the festivals in one spot. You can filter your search for places and festivals you'd like to apply to. Their notification system worked well for me too.

CORRECTION: I meant services such as festival strategy management or agency that helps get films into the festivals. Not platforms through which you submit your films, but rather people you pay to get your films into festivals. They claim they have relationships and an "in" to improve filmmaker's chance to be accepted into festivals. Does anyone have experience with that?

I have never used anyone's service to get films into festivals. I normally just go the Film Freeway route. I would be wary about anyone promising to get you into major festivals. Yes, they might have a relationship, but it's unethical to get your film through gates based on payola. I am not saying it does not happen, but the better way to do it, is to submit via platforms like filmfreeway early and build relationships along the way connected to the festival. I find that communicating with the festival directors or other staff associated with the festival, making yourself visible by tagging the festival on your promotional efforts and in many cases, letting them know you will be attending, goes a long way in ensuring they look out for your film (in other words, avoid getting lost in the crowd).

If they like it, they will most likely fit it into the programming. If it is that you want to screen your film at the festival without being in competition, some festivals will rent you a venue space to organise your own screening at the event where you can invite guests from the festival.