Positive Films

I am submitting a short documentary to a medium-caliber film festival next month. I can get the film to 30 minutes but do I stand a much better chance of getting in if I shorten it to 20 or 25 minutes?

Honestly, I was going to say 20 to 30 minutes just as you think! It should be like a mini-skirt: "Long enough to cover the subject, but short enough to be interesting!" Good luck!!

6 Responses

1. Jess Says:
   October 1st, 2009 at 4:25 am

   I’ve seen many short films and they did very well on a ime frame of 10-15 minutes.

   Good luck
   References :

2. sadeyzluv Says:
   October 1st, 2009 at 4:49 am

   yeah id say go with 10-15 min or so.
   References :

3. jizzyjizzle1976 Says:
   October 1st, 2009 at 5:22 am

   I have to agree. I have seen alot of short films that are submitted into the My Movie MashUp. They usually range between 4 and 10 minutes. If it’s supposed to be 30, go for it! Good Luck!
   References :

4. smarr Says:
   October 1st, 2009 at 5:32 am

   Don’t sacrifice the narrative but – yes – the shorter it is, the likelier it is to get programmed into a festival.
   References :

5. sassy chick Says:
   October 1st, 2009 at 6:09 am

   Honestly, I was going to say 20 to 30 minutes just as you think! It should be like a mini-skirt: "Long enough to cover the subject, but short enough to be interesting!" Good luck!!
   References :

6. Harbinger Says:
   October 1st, 2009 at 6:21 am

   Pace is more important than achieving a specific length. It’s hard to judge after you’ve seen the footage over and over, so have someone who hasn’t seen it watch and give their opinion of where it dragged.
   References :

Leave a Comment