Maybe you’re a filmmaker looking to give others a platform. Maybe you’re a film lover dreaming of curating a cinematic experience for your community. Either way, launching your own film festival is exciting—but also a bit overwhelming. 
Thankfully, FilmFreeway makes the process easier. It’s become the go-to platform for thousands of festivals around the world, from big names like the Chicago International Film Festival listing to smaller niche showcases. The best part? You don’t need a ton of money or connections to get started.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to set up your film festival on FilmFreeway from start to finish. We’ll also touch on common questions like is FilmFreeway legit?, how to get a FilmFreeway waiver code, and what size your FilmFreeway poster should be.
You’re ready to get official. Head over to FilmFreeway and create an organizer account. The process is pretty simple: use the FilmFreeway login, set up your profile, and click “Add a Festival.”
From there, you’ll fill out a series of tabs—Festival Details, Categories, Judging Status, etc. Be thoughtful about your descriptions. Be clear, but show your festival’s unique voice.
You’ll also need a few visual assets, which brings us to the next step.
Know Your “Why”
Before diving into logistics, figure out your motivation. Why do you want to start a film festival? Is it to support indie filmmakers in your region? Are you focused on a specific genre, like horror or documentary? Do you want to highlight underrepresented voices? Your “why” will shape everything from the name to the submission criteria. Take time to define your festival’s personality. Make it stand out. Look at FilmFreeway alternatives and see what gaps they leave—maybe your festival can fill one. The clearer your purpose, the easier it’ll be to attract filmmakers and audiences.Research Existing Festivals on FilmFreeway
FilmFreeway hosts thousands of festivals, big and small. Spend time browsing them. Study the layouts, pricing, and perks. Note what the Locarno Film Festival page looks like compared to a regional indie showcase. This isn’t just to copy—it’s to learn. What are they doing well? What seems confusing or outdated? Don’t forget to check their FilmFreeway submissions policies and see how they handle deadlines, categories, and awards. You’ll also get a feel for how legit FilmFreeway is (yes, FilmFreeway is legit), and how professional your festival will need to appear to be competitive.Create a Solid Plan
Now that you have a clear vision and some research under your belt, it’s time to plan. Start with the basics: venue (physical, online, or hybrid?), festival date, budget, staff or volunteers, and technical needs. You’ll also want to sketch out your marketing timeline and how you’ll handle filmmaker communication. This is also when you set categories and entry fees. On FilmFreeway, you can offer discounts or FilmFreeway waiver codes, which can be great tools for early traction or accessibility. Set a few deadlines—early bird, regular, and late—to spread out your FilmFreeway submissions and manage the workload.Sign Up and Use the FilmFreeway Login
Design Your Festival Page: Poster Size and More
Your festival’s page is your storefront. It needs to look professional and engaging. The FilmFreeway poster size recommended is 600x900 pixels. Stick to that, you can use online photo enhancer to create quality posters easily. A clean, high-resolution poster goes a long way in making your event look legitimate. You’ll also upload a banner and, optionally, a trailer or sizzle reel. Spend time on the copy. Write a warm but clear festival description. Include submission guidelines, eligibility, and perks for selected filmmakers. Don’t forget the FilmFreeway cover letter instructions—many filmmakers will want to know how formal or informal to be.Set Your Fees, Waivers, and Discount Codes Setting your entry fees can be tricky. Look at similar festivals in your niche on FilmFreeway to get a sense of what’s reasonable. You can create FilmFreeway discount codes to attract early entries or reward past filmmakers. You can also issue a FilmFreeway waiver code for special cases, like local artists or students. Waivers and codes are a great way to build goodwill and spread the word about your festival. Keep a record of these codes and track how they perform. If you’re organized, you’ll have no problem issuing a FilmFreeway invoice if someone requests one.Start Accepting Submissions
Once your page is live, submissions can start rolling in. Set a marketing strategy—email lists, social media, partnerships—to promote your festival and call for entries. Watch the submissions closely. Respond to filmmaker questions promptly. The way you handle communication here sets the tone for your festival’s reputation. You’ll also want to start building a review team—judges, programmers, or advisors—who can help evaluate the entries. You can manage this through your FilmFreeway dashboard.Curate, Judge, and Notify
This is the fun part—but also the toughest. As submissions come in, keep detailed notes. Use FilmFreeway’s judging tools or export data if needed. Make sure your judging criteria are clear and consistent. And be timely. Filmmakers appreciate regular updates, even if it’s just a reminder that “we’re still reviewing submissions.” Once you’ve made your selections, send out notifications. Be personal, not robotic. Include a thank-you in your rejections. For acceptances, mention next steps—screening info, assets needed, and any perks like award eligibility or promotional help.Promote the Lineup and Run the Event
Announce your lineup proudly. Highlight your filmmakers. Use quotes from their FilmFreeway cover letter (with permission) or behind-the-scenes details to tell stories. If your event is in-person, coordinate with the venue, test your tech, and prep a printed program. If you’re going virtual, make sure your platform works smoothly. Either way, promote on social media, through email blasts, and with press releases. During the event, be available and communicative. Celebrate the filmmakers. Gather feedback. Take lots of photos—you’ll want them for next year’s page.Wrap Up and Plan Ahead
Once the event’s over, thank everyone—filmmakers, staff, volunteers, judges. Post a recap online and send a follow-up email to all participants. Update your FilmFreeway page to reflect that the current season has ended. If you plan to run the festival again, set your dates for next year and reopen submissions. Consider offering early-bird FilmFreeway discount codes or limited FilmFreeway waiver codes to keep momentum going. Also, request reviews on your FilmFreeway page. A strong track record helps attract more submissions. Think about ways to improve: new categories, better venues, or even FilmFreeway alternatives for distribution or outreach.Conclusion: Ready to Launch Your Film Festival?
Starting a film festival on FilmFreeway takes effort, but it’s absolutely doable—especially with the right planning and passion. Whether you dream of becoming the next Chicago International Film Festival success story or just want to spotlight local talent, FilmFreeway gives you the tools to get there. Remember to stay clear on your mission, stay responsive to your filmmakers, and don’t be afraid to try new things each year.Frequently Asked Questions
Is FilmFreeway legit?
Yes. FilmFreeway is one of the most trusted platforms for film festivals worldwide. Thousands of reputable festivals, including Locarno Film Festival and Chicago International Film Festival, use it.
What’s the standard FilmFreeway poster size?
600x900 pixels. Stick to that for best results.
Can I offer filmmakers a FilmFreeway waiver code or discount?
Absolutely. You can create both waiver codes and discount codes from your dashboard.
How do I get paid for submissions?
You’ll link your PayPal or Stripe account, and FilmFreeway handles the transactions. You can also generate a FilmFreeway invoice if someone requests one.
What are some FilmFreeway alternatives?
Festhome, Withoutabox (now closed), Reelport, and FilmFestivalLife are alternatives, though none are as widely used today as FilmFreeway.
