Film Festivals | The Taku Newsletter Edition 11

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 Film festivals have long been seen as glamorous red carpets, flashing cameras, and prestigious awards. Yet behind the glitter lies one of the most vital aspects of the entertainment business. Festivals are celebrations of art, they are marketplaces, networking hubs, and launchpads for the next generation of storytellers.



When I think about film festivals, I think about more than just watching a film in a crowded theater. I think about the ecosystem they create, where filmmakers, distributors, investors, and audiences meet. Festivals are where art and commerce intersect.

Why Festivals Matter

At their core, festivals give films visibility. A festival can elevate a project that might otherwise remain unseen, giving it a platform to reach not only audiences but also potential buyers and distributors. Think about films like Whiplash(2014) or Moonlight(2016); festival buzz was a huge factor in their eventual success.

For emerging filmmakers, festivals also provide validation. Getting selected means your work stands out among thousands of submissions. That recognition can open doors to grants, partnerships, or representation.

My Perspective

During my time in Los Angeles, I observed how agencies, distributors, and even schools treat festivals as serious opportunities. For example, at CAA, I listened to discussions that connected festivals directly to deal-making and networking. I realized that festivals are not just about watching films; they are about positioning films within the larger business landscape.

I’ve also seen how festivals build environments that encourage creativity and professionalism. From the panels to the networking events, everything is designed to bring people together. This is a lesson I will take into my future studio, which is creating not only art but also environments that foster connection.

The Evolving Festival Space

With technology reshaping the industry, many festivals now offer hybrid experiences such as live screenings combined with virtual panels and digital submissions. While some say this reduces the magic of festivals, I see it as expanding access. More filmmakers from across the globe can now participate without the financial strain of travel, which, let's be honest, can add more to your already strained costs.

Still, the in-person experience remains unmatched. Being in a theater, surrounded by people reacting to the same story, is something technology cannot fully replace. It is always interesting for me to observe how technology, whether tangible or digital, is used in film and entertainment.

Final Thoughts

Film festivals remind us that cinema is both art and business. They are stepping stones for filmmakers, bridges for agencies and distributors, and cultural celebrations for audiences. For someone like me who dreams of building a global studio, festivals represent the kind of ecosystem where storytelling, commerce, and technology all converge.

That’s all for this week’s edition of the Taku Newsletter. Stay tuned for more as we continue exploring the unseen forces that shape the world of filmmaking.

It only gets better from here.

– Takudzwa Thulani


#film #festivals

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