DECADE
EXHIBITION & DISTRIBUTION OF SHORT FILMS
What is a distributor?
A distributor is an individual or organisation that will represent your film at festivals and markets around the world. They also attempt to sell your product to television companies, airlines and other companies that show short films.
Distributors tend to source new films to represent at film festivals and markets around the world here are some examples of film festivals that show short films:
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The Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival is a is an annual film festival held in Cannes, France, which previews new films of all genres, including documentaries, from around the world. Founded in 1946, it is considered the most prestigious film festival in the world and is one of the most publicised. The Short Film Palme d'Or is the highest prize given to a short film at the festival,sommetimes a 'Special Mention' or a Jury Prize is awarded to other worthy short films of that certain year.
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East End Film Festival
The East End Film Festival is one of the UK’s biggest film festivals. It focuses on new talent and homegrown films alongside larger independent releases and special events.The East End Film Festival started in 2001. Originally set up by the East London borough of Tower Hamlets as a platform to recognise local filmmakers, its initial success led to a partnership in 2003 with neighbouring boroughs.
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Cutting East Film Festival
Cutting East is a film festival that celevrates young peoples achievement in film.The Cutting East programming team is made up of talented, young people, aged between 16-21 who come from all over the East End of London.
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The Toronto International Film Festival
The Toronto International Film Festival is a publicly attended film festival held each September in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The festival was founded in 1979 and has become very and prestigous in the film industry. Time noted that TIFF had "grown from its place as the most influential fall film festival to the most influential film festival, period."
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The London Short Film Festival
The London Short Film Festival, has been recognised as the premiere UK showcase for cutting-edge UK independent film.Renowned for daring cross-arts programming, we have showcased the very best of the country’s raw talent for 12 years.
However, with the increase in popularity of social media, filmmakers can now upload their productions on YouTube and Vimeo allowing millions to watch their films. There are also popular websites like www.shortofthewek.com that showcase short film from all genres. By having social media to exhibt your productions it allows people all over the world to view it, also you can use social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook to help promote your productions. This can be very beneficial to productions made on smaller budgets as they essentially have free advertising.
By researching the different ways short films can be distributed we now have more knowledge about the short film industry. We also now know about the different festivals that showcase short films which ultimately helps build an audience.
Kysan Bancroft 8028