The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UPRM chapter.

Now that we’ve established the TOP 10 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND A FILM FESTIVAL and you’ve decided to go to your very first film festival, it’s time to talk about how to properly research and prepare for it.

Yes, this is a must.

I remember my first time going to a film festival…it was a bit of a disaster: I had no tickets, no budget, no plan, and no company. I just arrived, improvised, and hoped for the best. As a result, I did make a few mistakes that could’ve been easily avoided had I planned accordingly.

So, here are some of my tips and recommendations to ensure you avoid headaches and maximize your experience:

Tip #1: Research. Each. Festival – Select the One You Wish to Attend:

Every film festival has their own unique identity and system; this is reflected in the festival’s location, film selection, itinerary, activities, duration, cost, scale, etc. Research which festivals are available in your area—or abroad if you’re feeling ambitious and have the resources—see what they have to offer, and select the ones you’re interested in.

Check for dates, location, costs, unique perks, and any other important information—all these details will be essential to the planning process.

Tip #2: Budget Your Way to a Festival:

Film festivals can get expensive when you add up costs such as tickets, food, transportation, and even accommodation if they’re far away. So, if you’re a broke college student like me or you simply can’t afford to spend a bunch of money on a film festival, I suggest you budget ahead of time to make sure you don’t break the bank.

Through your research, you should have an idea of how much you’d need to afford the tickets and other essential expenses—set a budget, save the amount, and stick to it.

Set clear boundaries – As much as you’d like to watch all the films or attend the most prestigious festivals around the world, you must know when to stop, be realistic, and reel yourself in. Always go back to your budget.
Research deals or bundles – A lot of film festivals offer “all-access” passes that could save you money if you plan on seeing a lot of films. You could also research budget-friendly food options nearby and inexpensive accommodations to reduce the overall cost of the experience.

Research and discipline are key.

Tip #3: Research the Films – Make a “To Watch” List:

Whether you’re planning on getting an “all-access” pass or purchasing the tickets individually, you should research the film lineup beforehand and curate your own “to watch” list.

Check the genre, read the synopsis, research the cast and crew, do whatever it is you need to do to make an informed decision about your list, especially if you’re on a budget and have to be selective.

Another important step is to check the festival’s itinerary, particularly the film screening schedule—sometimes films overlap so you might have to compromise and prioritize.

Be strategic and pick wisely.

Tip #4: Consult the Festival’s Itinerary:

Repeat after me: I will not go to a film festival without looking at the itinerary!

Although I’ve already mentioned this step within Tip #3, I need to repeat it because it’s important. You have no idea how many films and activities I’ve missed because I didn’t check the itinerary.

So make sure you’re aware of everything that’s always happening within the festival!

Tip #5: Buy Your Tickets Beforehand:

Unless you want to be stuck waiting in line for a ticket while the film is already starting or worse, miss out on a film because the tickets are sold out, I suggest you buy them beforehand.

Remember, once they’re gone, they’re gone. I learned this lesson the hard way.

Tip #6: Dress Appropriately

And by “appropriately,” I mean comfortably. This one might seem a bit obvious but dressing for comfort when you’re planning on sitting in a cold movie theater for hours on end and/or waiting in line for a premiere film is imperative.

Try to find a balance between a fashionable and cute outfit that’s also comfortable and functional—it’s all about finding that middle ground so you’re ready for a movie marathon, but also an afterparty.

Do yourself a favor and dress appropriately.

Tip #7: Bring the Essentials:

Here are some essentials I’d recommend:

A jacket to keep yourself warm and toasty;
A power bank/external battery to keep your phone charged—especially if you have online copies of your tickets;
A printed copy of your tickets in case something happens to your phone;
Some snacks to keep your hunger in check;
And a notebook and pen to take notes—trust me, after your third consecutive film, you’ll start to forget things.

Some of these may seem a little obvious, but I can’t stress enough how important it is to bring them with you.

Tip #8: Lastly, Bring a Companion – Make Friends:

I don’t know about you, but I like bringing friends along when I go to a film festival. Having someone to talk to after watching back-to-back films helps me remember them.

Plus, having someone to consult, exchange first-impressions, and compare notes with adds another layer to the experience.

And if you don’t have a companion, just make a new friend! You’re bound to find common ground with someone in the festival so invite them to see a film with you and see where it takes you.

Take this as an opportunity to build relationships with people who love films just as much as you do.

I hope these tips help you during those planning stages, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.

And remember: Don’t be me, be prepared. Learn from my mistakes.

Sincerely,

-Carhianie

Research, Prep, and Enjoy: A Survival Guide to Prepare for a Film Festival