Strategic Festival Guidance for Filmmakers Ready to Be Seen, Selected, and Remembered
Stop guessing your way through submissions.
Get insider-level strategy from a festival programmer who knows what actually gets films selected.
Trusted by filmmakers selected at top festivals around the world.
Start My Festival StrategyFrom Submission to Spotlight — With Strategy That Actually Works
You didn’t make your film to let it sit in submission queues, hoping something sticks.
But without the right strategy, it’s easy to:
second-guess every decision, waste money on the wrong festivals, and wonder why your film isn’t gaining traction.
As an award-winning filmmaker and festival programmer, I’ve seen both sides of the process — what filmmakers submit, and what actually gets selected.
That perspective changes everything.
I don’t just help you submit your film.
I help you position it, target the right festivals, and build a strategy that gives your work the best possible chance to be seen, remembered, and celebrated.
Because getting in isn’t random.
It’s strategic.
Learn from Someone Who’s In the Room
There’s a difference between understanding the process… and being inside it.
I’ve been in the rooms where films are discussed, debated, and selected — where small decisions make the difference between a pass and a yes.
I’ve seen strong films get overlooked because of positioning.
And I’ve seen the right strategy completely change a film’s trajectory.
That’s the level of insight I bring to your work.
From programming rooms to award stages, I’ve worked alongside the people shaping the industry — and understand how to help your film stand out within it.
Including moments like being recognized by filmmakers like Kevin Smith.
Because at this level, it’s not just about having a great film.
It’s about knowing how to navigate the room.
Not only is Heather a champion of independent film and an invaluable asset to the Garden State Film Festival, she brings her wealth of knowledge from her own experience as a filmmaker invited to festivals all over the globe, to help the GSFF continually grow and improve year after year. Take her course and learn what to do (and what NOT to do!) to have your own successful festival run!
Holy crap! What a game changer! I now have a comprehensive game plan, along with spreadsheets and templates, to move forward my strategy from proof of concept to feature film. I’m seriously blown away, and AI did not write this endorsement. This is completely human and emotional. But don’t let the AI aspect scare you, because she’s genius at scrubbing everything there is out there and focusing your energies in exactly the way you need them. At the very least, you will see an alternative to your current plan and I’ve no doubt you will rethink what you’ve been doing. I’m already addicted to Festival Fixr and can’t wait to get back to it today! Thank you, Heather for moving us forward and into the future by creating this program.
Ellen Ancui
writer / director / producer
CHOOSE THE LEVEL OF SUPPORT YOUR FILM NEEDS RIGHT NOW
Whether you need quick answers, expert guidance, or a full strategy system, this is where your festival plan starts to come together.
FESTIVAL FIXR™
Best for: Fast answers and ongoing support
You don’t need to stay stuck between submissions, second-guessing every move.
Festival Fixr™ gives you real-time guidance when questions come up — so you can make smarter decisions without waiting, guessing, or spiraling.
It’s like having a strategist in your pocket 24/7, helping you course-correct in the moments that actually shape your festival run. So you’re not wasting submission fees, time, or momentum on the wrong moves.
1:1 PRIVATE STRATEGY SESSION
Best for: Personalized strategy for your specific film
This is where we cut through the noise and focus on your film.
In one focused session, we’ll map out exactly what to do next — from festival targeting to positioning — so you leave with a clear, strategic plan instead of more questions.
No generic advice. No wasted time. Just direct, tailored guidance built around your goals. I only take a limited number of private sessions each month to keep the work focused and high-level.
INSIDER TRACK™
Best for: A complete, step-by-step festival strategy
If you’re done guessing and ready to approach festivals like an insider, this is your system.
Insider Track™ walks you through every stage of a successful festival run — from positioning and submissions to momentum, press, and long-term strategy.
Instead of piecing things together, you’ll finally have a clear roadmap that shows you what to do, when to do it, and why it works.
Not sure where to begin?
Start with a 1:1 session — we’ll map out the smartest next step together.
Start Building Your Festival Strategy for Free
Free ways to get clarity, strategy, and support as you navigate your festival run.
The Insider Community for Filmmakers Who Want to Be Seen, Celebrated, and Selected.
In filmmaking, your network is more than contacts - it’s your creative ecosystem. Inside this community, you’ll connect with like-minded filmmakers, share ideas, and open doors to collaborations, opportunities, and friendships that can shape your career. Every conversation has the potential to spark your next big project. Step in, say hello, and start building the relationships that will fuel your cinematic success.
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Film Festival Insider Podcast
Get Insider tips and hear stories about the ins and outs of film festivals from veteran filmmakers and festival programmers.
Podcast coming soon...
FAQs
What is Film Festival Insider™?
Will this help me get into more festivals?
Do you help with press or reviews?
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