10 Rules to Follow While Attending Film Festivals

by Kathrin Garner

Film festivals are a wonderful opportunity to see what’s new in the movie industry, but also to connect with people and hang out. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the plans of many film festivals. Some of them pushed their dates, others got canceled, some got postponed, and so on. But, sooner or later they’re going to happen and when that time comes you’ll want to get the most out of the movie festival experience. We’re going to help you out with 10 rules worth following.

1. Get informed 

The first and most important rule for attending film festivals is to get informed first. Every film festival has its own set of rules and guidelines that people should follow. A common mistake that people make is that they just get ready and go to a film festival, without informing about it online. Nowadays every movie festival has its own website that you can visit and learn more about its rules and guidelines. 

2. Plan ahead 

Weeks before a film festival begins the website and social media profiles inform the public about all the movies they’ll be able to see. See the list of films and plan your attendance accordingly. Some movies will appeal to you while others won’t. You won’t have a great time at a film festival if you end up seeing a movie that doesn’t even interest you. When you plan ahead it’s easier to have a great time. Nowadays there are apps you can download to help you plan your schedule.

3. Detox before attending 

Detox is the best way to eliminate all the toxins out of your body. If you’re a marijuana user then you may also want to detox before attending a film festival. The good thing is that it’s easy to get tips for the best THC detox and eliminate it out of your body quickly and easily.  

4. Maintain your distance

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world in more ways than one. While countries are lifting their restrictions it seems like social distancing is here to stay for now. Although some events which draw bigger crowds of people are given green light, they still have to meet social distancing requirements. So if you plan to attend a film festival you will need to maintain your distance. Don’t forget about that because the last thing you want is for someone to remind you of social distancing. Not only will you follow the rules that way, but you’ll also protect yourself against the virus.

5. Connect and network

Film festivals are not just about movies you can see. They allow you to connect with others, network, exchange ideas and have fun. As you’re already aware, film festivals have after-parties and other special events where you can have the best time of your life. 

6. Keep your phone on silent

Probably one thing in common that most people have is the sheer frustration when someone’s phone keeps ringing or notifications keep arriving in a place where silence is important. When you’re watching the film at a festival you need to make sure to keep your phone on silent. And no, vibration isn’t the best option because nobody likes to hear that annoying sound of a vibrating phone. In fact, this is one of the most common rules that all festivals have for their visitors.

7. Dress appropriately 

Every now and then we see photos of film festival goers and they’re looking absolutely awful. Although, understandably, you want to look your best and feel confident and empowered, you should choose your outfit wisely. Ideally, your outfit should be classy and chic. If you want to wear something sexy, make it classy and fabulous. Avoid outfits that don’t have any chic or classy vibe.

8. Keep it cool with famous people

A celebrity is coming to the film festival? You probably want to take as many photos as you can, get them to sign something, or have a chat. All these things are nice, but keeping it cool is important. Celebrities attend film festivals because it’s their job to appear at that specific event and they don’t have that much time to spend with fans. Don’t scream, shout, or follow them around. 

9. Don’t talk

Don’t you find it annoying when you’re trying to watch a movie and other people talk? When attending the film festival the biggest rule to follow is to avoid talking in a movie theater. No phone, no talking, just focus on the movie.

10. Keep it clean and tidy 

Sometimes film festival-goers leave their snack bags and other stuff in the theater, and that’s not a nice thing to do. Don’t create a mess. Instead, you need to behave like a civilized person and avoid thinking “it’s someone’s job” to pick it up.

Bottom line

Get the most out of your film festival experience by following our simple 10 tips and rules. Keep informed about the specific guidelines of a film festival you want to attend. That way you’ll know what to do or avoid doing.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathrin Garner is an enthusiastic journalist and writes an article on social issues. As an activist, she takes part in the FMA Health program, which is a discussion platform on the relevant medical cannabis topics. So, if you want to know the best how to detox your body in a short time, feel free to contact her. Also, she is a volunteer at Global Advances in Health and Medicine.  She searches for current issues and writes about it to a wide range of readers.