The allure of film festivals is undeniable: the glitz, the networking potential, the dream of seeing your creative labor showcased before an audience. For many filmmakers, even the smallest taste of recognition seems like a lifeline in an otherwise impenetrable industry. But beneath this shimmering facade lies a dark reality—an industry corner that has turned into nothing more than a shameless money-making scheme. I’m talking about fraudulent film festivals, whose only real goal is to fleece filmmakers and funnel that cash straight into their own luxurious lifestyles.
Now it's time for a reality check. It’s time we rip the mask off these festivals that are nothing more than elaborate scams. They may present themselves as prestigious events, filled with “judges” and “experts” who promise valuable feedback and global exposure. In truth, many of them are about as reputable as a used-car salesman hawking a lemon. These so-called festivals exist not to celebrate cinematic excellence but to exploit the aspirations of hardworking creators. The signs are there for anyone willing to look closely. Entry fees are exorbitant, yet the returns are non-existent. After submitting your hard work and forking over your cash, what do you get? A generic rejection letter, or perhaps even worse, a meaningless “award.” Yes, you might see your name next to a shiny laurel. But here’s the truth: these laurels mean nothing in the grand scheme of the film industry. They won’t open doors. They won’t land you meetings. They won’t pay the bills. They serve one purpose only—to make you believe you’re getting something worthwhile while the festival organizers laugh their way to the bank.
Make no mistake- your hard-earned dollars are lining their pockets and funding their extravagant lifestyles. Fancy trips, flashy parties, high-end dinners- all courtesy of the fees they’ve scammed from filmmakers who believed they were investing in a shot at recognition. Behind closed doors, these festival “directors” live it up while most submissions are collecting dust, never to be seen or genuinely considered.
If you think these festivals even bother watching every film submitted, think again. Many of them don’t. In fact, it’s common practice for organizers to skim, ignore, or even completely overlook the majority of entries. And why would they care? They’ve already got what they want—your money. The lack of actual critique or genuine consideration for the work only underscores one thing: these festivals are nothing but hollow cash grabs, run by people who know little to nothing about film, much less about cultivating a meaningful industry presence.
Aspiring filmmakers, I know how hard you work. I know the sweat, tears, and sacrifices poured into every frame. It’s time to recognise these frauds for what they are and refuse to let them exploit your passion any longer. Of course though, not every film festival is a con; let’s be crystal clear about that. There are truly honorable festivals out there, run by genuine lovers of cinema who pour their hearts into elevating unique voices, nurturing talent, and building meaningful community connections. These festivals provide real opportunities, meaningful exposure, and offer feedback that can propel careers. They cherish every film submitted and strive to create a supportive, inclusive atmosphere for filmmakers. So, while it’s crucial to call out the bad apples, it’s equally important to recognise and support the authentic festivals making a positive difference in the industry.
The fraudulent festivals will continue unless we stand together to expose them. Call them out. Share your experiences. Warn others. We deserve better than to be treated as walking wallets funding someone else’s luxury vacation. And together, we’ll push for an industry that respects every dreamer, every story, and every frame that matters. We must put an end to great big film festival scam!
Liz Cvalda
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