Film Festival Strategy Masterclass
- Bushwick Film Festival 620 Wilson Ave Brooklyn, NY 11207 United States (map)
The Film Festival Strategy Masterclass is a 90-minute live workshop for filmmakers and producers who want a clearer, more strategic approach to film festivals. This session breaks down how to select the right festivals, prepare for submissions, navigate festival season, and assess outcomes with confidence.
Whether you are new to the circuit or refining your approach, this workshop is designed to help you move forward with intention.
Why This Workshop
Most filmmakers spend thousands on submission fees without a clear plan, often overlooking the very festivals where their work would shine. Whether you are in post-production or preparing for a premiere, success on the festival circuit requires more than a great film. It requires a thoughtful festival strategy.
This workshop provides essential insight into the global festival landscape and shows you how to move from blindly submitting to intentionally screening, ensuring your film reaches the right audiences and the right industry professionals.
What We Cover
Pre-Festival
The Global Landscape: Data and insights into how the festival submission process works.
The Programmer’s Perspective: How films are evaluated behind the scenes.
Strategic Selection: A framework to assess your film’s fit so you submit only to festivals aligned with your goals.
Budgeting Intelligence: How to allocate resources effectively and avoid submission fatigue.
Festival Season and Screening
The Acceptance Moment: How to prepare once you receive a festival invitation
On-the-Ground Navigation: How to manage your time during festival season and prioritize what matters
Marketing and Visibility: Simple techniques to build buzz and drive audiences to your screenings
Maximizing Impact: Turning a single festival appearance into long-term career momentum
Meet Your Instructor
Kweighbaye Kotee is a filmmaker, producer, and founder of the Bushwick Film Festival. With nearly 20 years of experience, she has supported thousands of creators at every stage of their careers.
Her expertise in festival strategy has led to speaking engagements at TEDx, SAG-AFTRA, Google, and JPMorgan Chase. Her approach is practical, transparent, and rooted in real-world experience running an international film festival.