A film festival is an organized gathering of film industry professionals, the general public, film fans, and filmmakers, to watch films with an overall theme or purpose. Film festivals are used to exhibit and market films to a wider audience. At some film festivals the goal is for a film to be picked up by a studio, distributor, movie publicist or artist management company.

For the general public it’s a chance to view a film that doesn’t have a theatrical release date, to watch a premier film from a major Hollywood studio, or to appreciate a classic film or director’s work.

Within the film festival itself, attendees have a chance to attend events, workshops or to hear (or ask questions) from the filmmakers themselves.

People also use film festivals as a networking event, that is, they share business cards, meet other industry professionals, or find out about fan groups and film organizations.

What do I wear to a film festival?

If the invitation/ad doesn’t inform you of the dress code, there are clues to find out what to wear.

Galas and Opening Nights

Galas almost always require business to formal attire. If the “gala” is after work on a weeknight, it usually means business/professional attire –that is, business attire with a touch of flash.  If it’s on a weekend night (like Saturday evening), then it’s usually professional to formal attire. Few events require a full-length ball gown or tails/tuxedo, unless it’s a sit down dinner to honor an industry professional in a hotel ballroom. Always feel free to call or email the organizers to ask about the attire.

General Screenings

This is a lot looser than “events” during a film festival. The best advice is to wear clothes…period. People usually just wear what they wear on the weekend.

Wear something comfortable and prepare to sit for long periods of time. Attendees often eat before an event, or plan to have lunch during a break in screenings.