FILMMAKER PASS: The Festival Circuit, Distribution, & the Director's Approach | No Film School

We're interested in what working filmmakers have to say about the important topics we face today as image-creators, storytellers, and communicators. We appreciate all of the comments and feedback, so please keep it coming! Let me know what you think about this format, submit your suggestions for topics, and let us know — as filmmakers — what's most on your mind right now.

Where do film festivals fit in to the landscape of distribution now?

Tell us about your process as a director.

Don't forget to check out previous installments of FILMMAKER PASS on the art of casting and the struggles filmmakers face, the state of cinema and making a living.

A big thanks to the filmmakers involved:

Fernando Frias
T.J. Misny
Leah Meyerhoff
Jack Lewars

music by Coma Cinema
interviews by Micah Van Hove

filmmakerpass interviews advice filmmaker pass

Mark Duplass Has Some Thoughts on Sundance Acceptance

Mark Duplass Share His Thoughts on Sundance Acceptance

The Calvary King delivers a hopeful message to filmmakers who didn't get into Sundance.

Mark Duplass has always been a filmmaker's filmmaker. He famously delivered his "The Cavalry is Not Coming" speech at SXSW as a call to action for independent filmmakers to stop waiting and start shooting. Duplass also historically creates and works on small-budget indie projects, including being a key member of the lo-fi, bare-bones mumblecore movement. He's also a charismatic actor who brings a relatable ethos to every role he plays—not to mention seems like an overall cool dude.

We love Mark Duplass.

All the above considered, it's no surprise to see Duplass take to social media with an encouraging statement following the recently announced 2025 Sundance lineup this past Wednesday. Duplass, hot off positive reviews for the recently released The Creep Tapes on Shudder, warmly comforted filmmakers that if you happened to apply to Sundance and weren't selected, hey, that's okay. They curate 15,775. It happens.

We all know rejection sucks, but don't sweat it. Be proud of your project no matter what. And watch Mark Duplass's full snippet of encouraging wisdom below.

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