Look Before You Leap: Essential Tips for Festival Submissions
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Which festivals are a filmmaker's favourites, and which ones would they never submit to again?
How do I recognize a scam on sites like FilmFreeway?
Ask 2 professionals about the do's and dont's of submitting your work!
An interactive discussion where experienced local filmmakers Kristen McNaule & Penny McCann will share their experiences on the international film festival circuit. This special talk will give practical tips on how to start submitting their work, and what to look for to avoid the many scams and pitfalls out there. Join us for this engaging and dynamic conversation!
🎬 About Kristen McNaule
Kristen is a writer and filmmaker who has worked in both documentary and fiction films. She is a winner of the script competitions and is currently a programmer for the Oscar-qualifying Slamdance festival.
🎥 About Penny McCann
Penny’s artistic practice spans three decades and encompasses narrative and experimental films. Her work has screened widely at festivals and galleries nationally and internationally.
✨ Who should attend?
Filmmakers at any stage of their careers who want to start seeing better results from their film submission efforts, as well as emerging artists and media creators of all ages.
🎟️ Pay What You Can / suggested contribution $10
Space is limited, so we encourage you to register in advance and reserve your spot.
📅 Thursday November 19, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 DARC Loop, 2 Daly Ave. (1st floor), Ottawa
Co-presented by Mirror Mountain Film Festival, Digi60 Filmmakers’ Festival & uOttawa Cinema Club
How do I recognize a scam on sites like FilmFreeway?
Ask 2 professionals about the do's and dont's of submitting your work!
An interactive discussion where experienced local filmmakers Kristen McNaule & Penny McCann will share their experiences on the international film festival circuit. This special talk will give practical tips on how to start submitting their work, and what to look for to avoid the many scams and pitfalls out there. Join us for this engaging and dynamic conversation!
🎬 About Kristen McNaule
Kristen is a writer and filmmaker who has worked in both documentary and fiction films. She is a winner of the script competitions and is currently a programmer for the Oscar-qualifying Slamdance festival.
🎥 About Penny McCann
Penny’s artistic practice spans three decades and encompasses narrative and experimental films. Her work has screened widely at festivals and galleries nationally and internationally.
✨ Who should attend?
Filmmakers at any stage of their careers who want to start seeing better results from their film submission efforts, as well as emerging artists and media creators of all ages.
🎟️ Pay What You Can / suggested contribution $10
Space is limited, so we encourage you to register in advance and reserve your spot.
📅 Thursday November 19, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM
📍 DARC Loop, 2 Daly Ave. (1st floor), Ottawa
Co-presented by Mirror Mountain Film Festival, Digi60 Filmmakers’ Festival & uOttawa Cinema Club
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Where is it happening?
Digital Arts Resource Centre, 67 rue Nicholas Street,Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherMirror Mountain Film Festival
