When there's a film festival in town, like the SAC film fest, many people flock to it for a variety of reasons. Movie enthusiasts will enjoy the opportunity to attend advance screenings of movies that have received a significant buzz in the industry, while also perhaps getting a chance to snap a selfie with a notable director or actor who is in attendance. If you're an aspiring filmmaker — perhaps currently attending school as a film studies major — attending a film festival is a smart decision for a number of reasons. Here are some reasons that you'll want to make sure the upcoming film festival is a part of your plans.

Exposure To Different Styles

If you're thinking about eventually making your own movie, seeing as many movies as possible in the meantime can be highly influential. As you watch different movies, you'll notice how different directors approach their art. It's possible that you haven't found your voice yet, and while you don't want to just copy how another filmmaker makes movies, there's no denying that you can be positively influenced. Attending a film festival gives you the chance to see movies from different genres that you might not ordinarily seek out. This can further help to expand your knowledge.

Lessons From Filmmakers

Film festivals often have workshops with industry professionals that members of the public can attend. Check out the calendar of events at the upcoming festival and see if you can secure access to this type of gathering. You may get a chance to ask questions of a filmmaker, which can help you to better understand how he or she approaches filmmaking. Even if you don't get an opportunity to pose a question, you can simply listen to the discussion and, in a sense, get into the filmmaker's head to understand his or her way of thinking.

Making Connections

There's little doubt that you'll want to make connections when you're planning to make a film, and you may be able to do so at an upcoming film festival. These events are filled with various people from all parts of the filmmaking industry, so you may get a chance to speak to a writer, a producer, an editor, or someone else who is involved. While it's unlikely that you'll walk up to a Hollywood star and recruit him or her to be a part of your project, you may make a connection with another budding filmmaker and decide to work together.