Feedback from Monica and David Director, Ali Codina, About IDFA

From The Fledgling Fund

Recently, I spoke with Ali Codina about Monica and David's international premiere at IDFA.  She had this feedback about the experience:

I personally loved IDFA.  It is a well-run festival, with strong industry presence, in a setting where people are very approachable. International sales were a huge benefit--several European buyers approached me directly--and I found my foreign sales agents there (CAT & Docs). But I quickly learned that IDFA is also what you make of it.  The program is enormous and you have to work to make your film known. When I first arrived, I was disappointed that they seemed to be promoting the most obvious titles, which had already made the festival rounds.  So, I personally reached out to press (you can get the list from their press office once you arrive); dropped postcards around town; and got in touch with the IDFA Daily, whose staff was great.  Having the lead subjects (Monica and David) there was a huge help, because people easily recognized us and always wanted to meet the "stars".  If you're willing to put in some initial effort, it's an amazing festival, whose staff really cares about film, and whose audiences are very embracing. 

Thanks for the feedback Ali!  Filmmakers, the deadline for submission to IDFA is quickly approaching.