Short Lessons from the BFI LONDON FILM FESTIVAL
Discover key lessons from three filmmakers who screened their short films at the most recent BFI London Film Festival.
Film festivals are more than just screening opportunities; they're a stage to showcase your work, an intense networking hub, and an emotional landmark in any filmmaker's journey. The BFI London Film Festival (LFF) is one of the most prestigious festivals in the United Kingdom, especially for new and independent filmmakers, and we have just been through another edition of this traditional British event. We sat down with three filmmakers who participated in this year’s festival—CenterFrame members Ethan Evans and Jess Bartlett, creators of the horror short Outside Noise (co-funded by CenterFrame), and Jamie Benyon, also a CenterFrame member, and the writer-director of the crime-comedy Two Minutes. Here are some key lessons from their stories that can guide other filmmakers through the festival circuit.
KEEP A RECORD OF YOUR EXPERIENCE
First of all, celebrate every step! Honor your hard work at every stage, especially major milestones, recognize the dedication and effort, and embrace the joy of the accomplishment. Getting selected for a major festival like LFF is a monumental achievement, deserving recognition and celebration. A good way to go about that might be to keep a record of your journey. You can do this by using a journal, including photos and videos, or even by posting on social media. Ethan Evans, who directed Outside Noise, shared his disbelief upon hearing the news, noting that the selection felt like a dream fulfilled. His co-writer Jess Bartlett echoed this sentiment, calling LFF a “bucket list” festival she’d long dreamed of attending since her film school days. Jamie Benyon was equally thrilled; having Two Minutes selected for LFF and then winning the Audience Award was a surreal moment for him and his team. He made sure to recognize the cast and crew who brought his vision to life, crediting them as the core reason behind their success.
ATTEND OTHER SCREENINGS AND LEARN
Once you’re there, embrace the festival atmosphere. Being present and fully engaged at screenings enriches the experience. Absorb the energy of a live audience and enjoy being part of a supportive, enthusiastic community of filmmakers. Don't forget to go to as many screenings as possible other than your own and learn from other filmmakers, especially as those filmmakers might be in attendance. This is the ideal moment to share your knowledge and learn from others who love filmmaking as much as you do! LFF’s welcoming and immersive atmosphere stood out to all three filmmakers. Ethan described the energy during the Outside Noise screening as “something I’ll cherish forever,” with the audience’s reactions bringing the horror elements to life. Jess shared a similar experience, saying the audience’s vocal responses amplified the horror short’s impact in ways that can only happen in a live setting. Jamie, who screened Two Minutes on opening night, appreciated the sense of camaraderie and fun among other filmmakers. Though he has social anxiety, the warm atmosphere encouraged him to step out of his comfort zone and be part of the celebration.
ACTIVELY BUILD YOUR NETWORK
The next important lesson is to prioritize networking, even if it seems scarce. Whether online or in person, seize every opportunity to network at festivals, as forming connections can open up unexpected doors, making each conversation a potential stepping stone for future projects. Keeping a diary of who you meet might come in handy as you'll probably want to get in touch with a lot of the people you meet there in the future. Networking can be truly intimidating, but LFF’s layout and events make it easier for filmmakers to connect with industry professionals and other creatives. Jess and Ethan maximized their time by meeting both familiar and new contacts. LFF even offers a private online platform where filmmakers can connect digitally, a valuable addition to in-person networking. Jamie, despite some initial nerves, seized the opportunity to engage with attendees and found himself grateful for stepping out of his comfort zone, saying, “You never know who you might meet!”
THIS IS ONE STEP IN A MARATHON
Now the final, and maybe the most important lesson, think long-term! Remember, not every festival appearance will lead to instant deals or collaborations, but each one adds to your presence and reputation in the industry. Festivals are as much about exposure as they are about immediate deals, so having patience is essential. Don't forget to follow up with EVERYONE after the festival as you never know how big or how small these newly formed connections could be. After Outside Noise was screened at LFF, Jess and Ethan received invitations from other festivals, as well as supportive messages from other creatives. Jamie acknowledged that Two Minutes didn’t spark an immediate wave of offers, but winning the Audience Award could lead to new opportunities down the line. As he put it, sometimes the journey itself can be more impactful than the immediate results.
For Jess, Ethan, and Jamie, the BFI London Film Festival was more than just a showcase—it was a life-affirming, career-enhancing experience. As they learned, the path from film school or a small independent set to the bright lights of a major festival is rarely straightforward, but the rewards can make it worthwhile. Adopting a long-term perspective can enhance your festival experience and provide lasting benefits for your future in the industry. Also, the experience of attending festivals like LFF can be transformative, so make the most of every moment and keep your eyes on the road ahead and the different opportunities that might come up, not only in the festival circuit. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just beginning, each screening and connection can shape the trajectory of your career in ways you might not yet imagine.