How do movies get selected to be shown in film festivals?

Selection of movies to be showcased at film festivals is a rigorous and competitive process that varies from festival to festival. Generally, film festival organizers invite movie submissions from filmmakers, distributors, and production companies, which are then reviewed by a team of programmers and selectors. These selectors watch hundreds or even thousands of movies, shorts, and documentaries to shortlist the best entries that fit their criteria and festival's theme.

Programming committees may consider factors like the quality of direction, acting, writing, cinematography, and production values while selecting films. They may also consider the film's commercial potential, its social and political relevance, and the diversity and representation of the cast and crew. The selection process may take several months to complete, with a final lineup of films being selected only a few weeks before the festival's opening.

Some festivals have a pre-selection process, where movies are screened and reviewed by a team of experts before being shortlisted for the final selection. The Cannes Film Festival, for instance, has a rigorous selection process that involves watching films from all over the world. Other festivals may have a more open approach, where they encourage entries from filmmakers who may not have a distributor or production company.

Overall, the movie selection process for film festivals is a complex and competitive process, where only a small percentage of entries get selected. It provides an opportunity for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work and offers a platform for movie lovers to explore and appreciate diverse cinema.