How to Go to a Documentary Film Festival

Discover new cinematic voices, learn about fascinating topics and rub shoulders with industry insiders by attending a documentary film festival. Plan ahead to ensure you have an enjoyable and hassle-free experience watching a variety of non-fiction films from around the world.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Select a film festival based on its location, dates, filmmakers and directors or film genres. Use a film festival search engine to browse for one that interests you. Attend a smaller event if popular ones like Aspen, Chicago International, Sundance, Telluride and Tribeca sell out before you get tickets. (See Resources.)
2. Buy advanced tickets through your chosen festival's website. Most will list film and event schedules early so you can make selections before tickets go on sale. Consider buying a special pass, if available, which will allow you to watch numerous films on certain days or at certain times for a single price. Most festival sites also list convenient hotel and dining locations.
3. Read up on the subject before you see the film. A little background will help the documentary make more sense and immerse you in the experience.
4. Formulate questions to ask the filmmaker in the event of a question-and-answer session. Inquire about inspiration, the impact of the film or behind-the-scenes tidbits and trivia.
5. Check the schedule of events for any concerts, panel discussions, parties, celebrity appearances and workshops you can attend.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase tickets and make hotel reservations as soon as they're available if attending a popular event like the Sundance Film Festival. Some have a mailing list to alert you to important dates.
• Although it's thrilling to attend a screening of a film by a member of Hollywood's "A-list," give lesser-known filmmakers a chance. The subject matter may be intriguing and you never know who tomorrow's superstar may be.
• Consider waiting in a stand-by line if you can't get a ticket to the screening you desire. Individual venues at larger festivals allow you to wait nearby in case seats become available.