Hi everyone, I'm helping organize an international film festival - in its second year - in Los Angeles next month and want to grow our small network of studio executives, distributors and above the line pros. I would appreciate any ideas or advice on this! Thanks in advance. More details - This festival is called the World Culture Film Festival and aims to promote cinema that uplifts the human consciousness in these times of war and calamities. Last year, we opened with The Monk and the Gun - Bhutan's entry to the Oscars in the Foreign film category. We want more distributors, studio execs and producers to attend the festival so we can have industry panels, meetings between studios and filmmakers to build a platform for content acquisition and for the network to be a hub of talent meeting opportunities. Does this help?
Distribution : Finding executives and distributors to attend my film festival by Rigi Nigam
Other topics in Distribution:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
5 people like this
Can you be more specific? Are you looking for sponsors? Board members? Volunteers?
2 people like this
Yes, more details will help your ask!
2 people like this
Thanks Mike and Randall! I have added more details to my post.
3 people like this
Those are some big goals. I suspect you’d need to pay these panelists. And then you’ll want a lot of filmmakers to attend, because they’d be the main audience. Hopefully filmmakers with quality movies, to make it worthwhile for buyers to attend. A bit of a chicken and the egg problem, what do you focus on first?
Sounds like the Austin Film Fest might be a good model for what you want to do. Research how they started.
Try a five year plan, you probably can’t get what you want overnight.
3 people like this
@ Mike, I really appreciate your inputs. Yes, this is a long term game plan but I need to start somewhere - Austin sounds like a great idea to explore.
3 people like this
Hey Rigi Nigam Your World Culture Film Festival sounds like exactly the kind of meaningful event that the industry needs right now. Opening with "The Monk and the Gun" shows strong curatorial vision, and your mission to promote consciousness-raising cinema fills a real niche in the festival landscape.
For attracting executives and distributors, consider these targeted approaches:
Strategic Outreach:
- Focus on companies that specialize in international and arthouse content (A24, Focus Features, Neon, Magnolia Pictures)
- Target distributors who work with Oscar foreign film submissions
- Reach out to streaming platforms seeking diverse, meaningful content
Value Proposition Development:
- Create compelling industry-focused materials highlighting your unique positioning
- Develop case studies from last year's success stories
- Offer exclusive preview access to top-tier content
Partnership Opportunities:
- Connect with cultural consulates and international film offices
- Partner with organizations focused on conscious content (Spiritual Cinema Circle, etc.)
- Collaborate with film schools and industry organizations
Practical Incentives:
- Industry panels with actionable topics (international co-production, conscious content marketing)
- Private screening events for executives
- Structured networking with filmmakers seeking distribution
Stage 32 Connection:
Many of our executives work with international and meaningful content. we could certainly help identify those who might align with your festival's mission.
Your festival fills an important gap in the marketplace!
3 people like this
Hi Pat, these are awesome ideas. I especially like your suggestion of finding international arthouse film distributors. I'd love to take you up on your offer to help find relevant folks on this site - I've sent you a network request. Thanks!