How to Create a Press Kit for Your Film Festival Submission

A well-crafted press kit can be the difference between your film getting serious consideration and being overlooked in a sea of submissions. Festival programmers at events like Sundance, SXSW, and Rotterdam review thousands of films each year. Your press kit is often your first impression—and sometimes your only chance to convey the full scope and quality of your project beyond the screener itself.

This guide breaks down exactly what you need to include in your film festival press kit, how to format it professionally, and the common mistakes that can undermine even the strongest films.

What Is a Film Festival Press Kit?

A press kit (also called an EPK or Electronic Press Kit) is a collection of materials that provides festival programmers, journalists, and potential distributors with everything they need to understand, evaluate, and promote your film. It typically includes written materials, visual assets, and technical information packaged in an easily accessible format.

While some festivals like Tribeca and Toronto International Film Festival have specific submission portals with structured fields, many festivals still request or accept traditional press kits. Even when not required, having one ready demonstrates professionalism and preparedness.

Essential Components of a Film Festival Press Kit

1. Synopsis (Multiple Versions)

Prepare three versions of your synopsis:

• Logline (1-2 sentences): The elevator pitch that captures the core concept and conflict
• Short synopsis (75-100 words): A paragraph that expands on the logline with key plot points
• Long synopsis (250-500 words): A detailed overview that gives programmers a complete understanding of your narrative arc

Write in present tense, third person. Avoid hyperbolic language like "groundbreaking" or "unforgettable." Let the story speak for itself.

2. Director's Statement

This is your opportunity to explain why you made this film and what it means to you. Keep it between 200-400 words and address:

• Your personal connection to the material
• The creative vision and aesthetic choices
• What you hope audiences will take away

Festivals like Cannes and Berlin specifically value director's statements that demonstrate artistic intentionality. Be authentic but concise—programmers read hundreds of these.

3. Cast and Crew Biographies

Include brief biographies (100-150 words each) for:

• Director
• Producers
• Lead cast members
• Key creative team (cinematographer, composer, editor)

Focus on relevant credits and achievements. If your lead actor appeared in a Berlinale selection or your DP shot an Oscar-nominated documentary, mention it prominently.

4. High-Resolution Production Stills

Visual assets are critical. Include:

• 8-12 production stills in both landscape and portrait orientations
• Minimum resolution of 300 DPI or 2000 pixels on the longest edge
• A mix of scenes featuring your main cast and visually striking compositions
• At least 2-3 images suitable for promotional use

Name your files clearly: FilmTitle_Still_01.jpg, not IMG_4532.jpg. Festivals like Telluride and Venice will request high-resolution stills immediately upon selection.

5. Director and Key Cast Headshots

Professional headshots are essential for press coverage. Provide high-resolution images (minimum 1500 pixels wide) with neutral backgrounds. If you're selected, these photos will appear in festival programs, press releases, and media coverage.

6. Technical Specifications

Create a clear technical spec sheet including:

• Runtime (exact minutes and seconds)
• Aspect ratio
• Sound format (5.1, stereo, etc.)
• Shooting format and final delivery format
• Country of origin
• Year of completion
• Language(s) and subtitle availability

7. Poster and Key Art

Include your official poster in multiple formats:

• High-resolution print version (300 DPI, CMYK)
• Web-optimized version (RGB, 72 DPI)
• Social media-friendly square and vertical crops

If your film is selected for festivals like South by Southwest or Fantastic Fest, they'll use your key art across their marketing channels.

8. Trailer and Promotional Video Links

Provide password-protected Vimeo links (not YouTube) to:

• Official trailer
• Teaser (if available)
• Behind-the-scenes footage (optional but valuable)

Include the password clearly in your press kit document. Broken or expired links are surprisingly common and frustrate programmers.

9. Production Notes (Optional but Recommended)

For feature films, consider including 1-2 pages of production notes covering:

• The origin of the project
• Casting process
• Location challenges or unique production circumstances
• Any notable technical achievements

This material is particularly useful for festivals with strong press coverage like Toronto and Locarno, where journalists need interview angles and story hooks.

How to Format and Deliver Your Press Kit

Digital Presentation

The most professional approach is to create both:

1. A single PDF document containing all written materials, low-resolution image references, and links to downloadable assets
2. A shared folder (Google Drive, Dropbox, or WeTransfer) with organized subfolders for images, video links, and documents

Structure your folder like this:

• /FilmTitle_PressKit/
  • /Stills/
  • /Headshots/
  • /Poster/
  • /Documents/

File Naming Conventions

Use consistent, clear naming throughout: FilmTitle_DirectorHeadshot.jpg, FilmTitle_Synopsis.pdf. This small detail signals professionalism and makes programmers' jobs easier.

Common Press Kit Mistakes to Avoid

Overselling your film: Phrases like "the next Parasite" or "destined to win Cannes" make programmers skeptical. Let your work speak for itself.

Poor image quality: Blurry or low-resolution stills suggest an amateur production. Invest in proper unit photography or extract high-quality frame grabs.

Missing contact information: Always include current email, phone number, and social media handles for the primary contact person.

Outdated materials: Update your press kit when you complete post-production, secure new cast, or receive notable recognition.

Excessive length: A 30-page press kit won't get read. Keep written materials concise and let your images and screener carry the weight.

Tailoring Your Press Kit for Different Festivals

Different festivals have different priorities. A genre-focused festival like Sitges or Fantasia will appreciate horror-specific imagery and genre credentials in your bios. Documentary festivals like IDFA or Hot Docs want to see your film's social relevance and subject matter expertise emphasized.

Research each festival's programming history and aesthetic preferences before submitting. Your press kit doesn't need to be completely rewritten for each submission, but small adjustments to your director's statement or synopsis emphasis can make a meaningful difference.

When to Prepare Your Press Kit

Start compiling materials during production—especially photos. Have your press kit substantially complete before you begin submissions, which typically means 2-3 months before major festival deadlines. The fall deadline crunch for Sundance, Rotterdam, and Berlin catches many filmmakers unprepared.

A professional press kit won't guarantee acceptance, but it removes barriers and ensures programmers can fully evaluate your work. Combined with strategic festival targeting, it positions your film for success in an increasingly competitive landscape. Tools like Festivilia can help you identify which festivals align with your film's genre, length, and themes—so your carefully prepared press kit lands in front of the right programmers at the right events.