Dear _________ ________________,
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to screen your film ___________________ for consideration to participate at the __________________ Film Festival (and for the $50 submission fee [American Express also thanks you for that]).
We received an overwhelming international response this year. Unfortunately, with over 900 films (That’s almost 1,000!) submitted this year and less then 100 slots to fill we had to pass on many good films (Like mine, right?). Your film was one of those films (Of course it was).
We were very impressed with the quality of submissions this year, and we certainly recognize that without your efforts, _____________ Film Festival would not exist. We know how much time and energy you put into your film (More than it’s worth? Maybe [not]?). We know because we’ve seen it (Are you just saying that?). We appreciate, admire, and love that each film is the final result of an incredible, personal creative process (Really? That’s sweet.).
Please know that our decision does not mean that we did not like your film (Just didn’t like it enough), or that you do not have an audience for your work (My mom thinks it’s the best!), or that it’s any less of a meaningful piece of art. As you’re well aware, it’s a tremendously competitive landscape for independent filmmakers. As a filmmaker we hope you recognize this is all part of a process (Ugh, stupid process).
Receiving a “no” is part of the filmmaking experience for everyone, no matter how accomplished or talented (OK, I get it! Shut up already!). For those who love this art form, these are minor detours in the course of their filmmaking pursuits. Please realize that non-acceptance only speaks to the high caliber of material submitted by fellow applicants (Again, shut the fuck up already! I totally get that it’s a weird, inefficient system more closely resembling a pyramid scheme sucking in wide-eyed dreamers with the dangling carrot of Hollywood/Indiewood whatever… than any sort of normal career path with a reasonably clear route to your goals and visible/attainable benchmarks of success. I know it’s my own stupid fault for getting an MFA instead of an MBA. The game is the game – Avon Barksdale. This game is rigged – Bodie. I’m not bitter though. It really is part of the process. I’ve even been on the other side of this mess deciding who gets in and who gets a stupid rejection letter. So there. ).
We sincerely wish you the best in finding audiences for your current film and welcome the opportunity to see the results of your next creative process.
Sincerely,
Some Expert at the _____________________ Film Festival
Feel free to fill in the blanks with your own info and send it along with your submissions to film festivals, screenwriting contests, grants, fellowships, residencies, photography contests, gallery submissions and literary journals. I’m sure they’ll appreciate the efficiency.
Like this:
Be the first to like this post.
