i always loved movies from cannes, sundance, etc. and i always thought i knew what a film festival was. And i decided to enter one. i live in michigan and the upcoming film festival is the East Lansing Film Festival, and it's really big. Now, i realized that i'm a little lost. What EXACTLY goes on in a film festival? will mine movie for sure get shown or is it hand picked? if it's not picked to be shown, then what? Also, if it has a 'student' category, do you think a 10th grader will have any chance at all? i mean, would i be up against seniors in college? is it even worth sending my film in for 25 bucks and getting blown away? someone help!

it depends on the film festival.

some handpick certain films, some will play anything they are sent, but pick really bad times to show some things. read the application or calls omeone at the East Lansing Film Festival.

alright. will do. hope they don't think i'm an idiot. hah

Well, that's awesome you want to enter your film into a film festival. Check on the website about the process such as if all will be shown or not. Usually, ALL submissions will be shown, but just portions of the film. Once it's done, they will announce the winners. And of course a 10th grader can win something. Even if it doesn't win, its good publicity. Film festivals are a good way to get your stuff out there for a cheap price. $25 is worth it i think. But most likely you will be put into a different section AWAY from the college students. Best of luck!