Fans Play Key Role in Film Festivals’ Success
Story by Kathy Denes

The new year brings film fans front-row access to the latest—possibly greatest—in movie entertainment. Surprising plot twists, emotional turbulence, enlightenment, wild outdoor adventures, horror, invasions from space, and even close encounters with celebrities are all in store. The 2025 film festivals are ready for their close-up.
These festivals in communities large and small offer great destinations. There’s something for everyone. For example, the Lookout Wild Film Festival is a staple in Chattanooga, Tennessee. “Our festival has always been about the films, but to thank our audience, we’re trying to bring in more of the festival aspect,” says Steve Rogers, event director for Lookout Wild Film Festival. “It’s about creating a welcoming and inclusive festival culture. You get to be in a room where every person around you shares a love for adventure and the craft of storytelling. Exploring amazing locations, cheering for stunning visuals, and tearing up at touching moments become shared experiences that stay with you long after the credits roll.”
Fan Focus
Almost every film festival relies on fan participation. Screenings and special events are typically open to the public.
Fans at film festivals often rub elbows with industry insiders, filmmakers, and actors as they get an inside look at the movies and topics that will shape the entertainment scene in the coming year. They also get to see impactful projects that may never make it to their neighborhood theaters. Beyond that, fans meet people with similar interests, making the festivals social events that involve much more than just cramming in as many screenings as possible.
Finding a great festival to attend is easy—they are plentiful. 1 great resource for starting your search is the Film Free Way website.
Hit The Mark

Wild Film Festival.
A festival’s website is the best resource to find everything from ticket availability to screening info, schedules, parking, and even lodging. Online ticket sales for the public often start well in advance, and popular festivals can sell out quickly.
A great option for the adventurous film buff is to sign up as a festival volunteer. Many festivals are staffed by volunteers, and even the largest festivals rely heavily on volunteer workers. Duties range from greeting patrons and taking tickets to helping at evening parties. Volunteers often reap the rewards such as free admission and sometimes even access to industry professionals.
Another option is to become a member of the organization putting on a festival, which can bring year-round benefits. Some festivals also offer members the option of in-home streaming of films throughout the year, while others have affiliations that provide discounts at movie theaters throughout the country.
Once at the festivals, attendees can easily navigate their many options through schedules continually updated on the event’s website or even through an app. Take, for example, the Sidewalk Film Festival, which will take over the Historic Theatre District in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, from August 18 through 24. Spread across about a dozen venues, it offers more than 200 film screenings, plus educational and Q&A sessions. To help attendees stay on track, the festival’s website has maps and an interactive schedule.