I find it much easier to connect with other filmmakers through one-on-one coffee dates (since I'm not good at standing out when in large groups). I set them up by reaching out to friends of friends via email and asking for an informational interview on the phone or in person. It requires a lot of patience and persistence, since people are busy and you'll always be a low priority. However, I have made long-term connections this way that had directly led to jobs. Recently I got a PA gig on a TV pilot through my college friend's grandmother's neighbor, who connected me to a producer, who eventually hired me for the job. It can take a lot of time for this type of networking to lead to a job, but I've made it part of my lifestyle and am always searching for new people to connect with.

Congrats on your first film! I'm a novice filmmaker myself, but I have some criticism you might find useful. It does indeed have very good cinematography, however the acting to me seems a bit too theatrical, especially the young man's acting. He raises his voice too much and doesn't seem realistically angry during his rant. I like that you gave him something to do with the matches though. In general the dialogue also seems theatrical, but perhaps it's mostly the tone that they deliver it with. However, I think the whole concept/story is great! The last shot is a nice ending, but it would've been nice to see it travel a bit more. I'm guessing you were limited by the space. Overall I think you should focus on getting better at casting and/or directing your actors.