Festival Formula
@festivalformula.bsky.social
🎬Helping filmmakers navigate the worldwide festival circuit🎬 Quoted in Hollywood Reporter and Screen // member of Film Festival Alliance and Short Film Conference 🎬
Laney is struggling to conceive a child. Her husband, Derick, is abusive to her, until he is attacked and possessed by a strange creature.
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 12-min drama / horror BARREN from director Daniel Cugola.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/barren
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 12-min drama / horror BARREN from director Daniel Cugola.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/barren
December 17, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Laney is struggling to conceive a child. Her husband, Derick, is abusive to her, until he is attacked and possessed by a strange creature.
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 12-min drama / horror BARREN from director Daniel Cugola.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/barren
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 12-min drama / horror BARREN from director Daniel Cugola.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/barren
A too-soon move-in turns sinister when a woman realizes her girlfriend’s strange behavior may not be love’s pains, but a ghost refusing to let go.
Welcome to the Slate to the 14-min HERE HIDES THE HEART from @madebymateja.bsky.social https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/here-hides-the-heart
Welcome to the Slate to the 14-min HERE HIDES THE HEART from @madebymateja.bsky.social https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/here-hides-the-heart
December 16, 2025 at 4:02 PM
A too-soon move-in turns sinister when a woman realizes her girlfriend’s strange behavior may not be love’s pains, but a ghost refusing to let go.
Welcome to the Slate to the 14-min HERE HIDES THE HEART from @madebymateja.bsky.social https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/here-hides-the-heart
Welcome to the Slate to the 14-min HERE HIDES THE HEART from @madebymateja.bsky.social https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/here-hides-the-heart
When Bea sets off for her debut performance in a pub, even her most farfetched apprehensions couldn’t have predicted who would steal the limelight.
Welcome to the Slate to the 11-min dramedy THE PLOUGH ON SUNDAY from dir Beej Harris.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/the-plough-on-sunday
Welcome to the Slate to the 11-min dramedy THE PLOUGH ON SUNDAY from dir Beej Harris.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/the-plough-on-sunday
December 16, 2025 at 2:30 PM
When Bea sets off for her debut performance in a pub, even her most farfetched apprehensions couldn’t have predicted who would steal the limelight.
Welcome to the Slate to the 11-min dramedy THE PLOUGH ON SUNDAY from dir Beej Harris.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/the-plough-on-sunday
Welcome to the Slate to the 11-min dramedy THE PLOUGH ON SUNDAY from dir Beej Harris.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/the-plough-on-sunday
A downbeat millennial's plan for a free-house is thwarted by her kooky Mom who is acting suspicious.
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 9-min comedy/drama MIDNIGHT MURUNGAI from director Ramiya Pushparajah.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/midnight-murungai
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 9-min comedy/drama MIDNIGHT MURUNGAI from director Ramiya Pushparajah.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/midnight-murungai
December 15, 2025 at 8:02 PM
A downbeat millennial's plan for a free-house is thwarted by her kooky Mom who is acting suspicious.
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 9-min comedy/drama MIDNIGHT MURUNGAI from director Ramiya Pushparajah.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/midnight-murungai
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 9-min comedy/drama MIDNIGHT MURUNGAI from director Ramiya Pushparajah.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/midnight-murungai
There is one genre of cinema that divides ‘movie’ lovers and ‘film’ lovers, and that is arthouse.
For the most recent edition of our Blog, FF’s Mark Brennan talks to some of the film festivals who truly appreciate the subjective genre.
https://www.festivalformula.com/insight/arthouse-the-only-genre
For the most recent edition of our Blog, FF’s Mark Brennan talks to some of the film festivals who truly appreciate the subjective genre.
https://www.festivalformula.com/insight/arthouse-the-only-genre
December 15, 2025 at 5:07 PM
There is one genre of cinema that divides ‘movie’ lovers and ‘film’ lovers, and that is arthouse.
For the most recent edition of our Blog, FF’s Mark Brennan talks to some of the film festivals who truly appreciate the subjective genre.
https://www.festivalformula.com/insight/arthouse-the-only-genre
For the most recent edition of our Blog, FF’s Mark Brennan talks to some of the film festivals who truly appreciate the subjective genre.
https://www.festivalformula.com/insight/arthouse-the-only-genre
Two women treated alongside the filmmaker at Barts Hospital, reveal the parts of cancer most films
skip.
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 18-min documentary KELLIE AND JENNY from director Anne Isaksson.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/kellie-and-jenny
skip.
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 18-min documentary KELLIE AND JENNY from director Anne Isaksson.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/kellie-and-jenny
December 10, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Two women treated alongside the filmmaker at Barts Hospital, reveal the parts of cancer most films
skip.
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 18-min documentary KELLIE AND JENNY from director Anne Isaksson.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/kellie-and-jenny
skip.
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 18-min documentary KELLIE AND JENNY from director Anne Isaksson.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/kellie-and-jenny
When Leah discovers that her healthy grandmother is planning to kill herself before her 86th birthday, she journeys to understand why.
Welcome to the Slate to the 24-min doc PLEASE DO NOT RESUSCITATE from director Leah Finegold.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/please-do-not-resuscitate
Welcome to the Slate to the 24-min doc PLEASE DO NOT RESUSCITATE from director Leah Finegold.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/please-do-not-resuscitate
December 9, 2025 at 5:05 PM
When Leah discovers that her healthy grandmother is planning to kill herself before her 86th birthday, she journeys to understand why.
Welcome to the Slate to the 24-min doc PLEASE DO NOT RESUSCITATE from director Leah Finegold.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/please-do-not-resuscitate
Welcome to the Slate to the 24-min doc PLEASE DO NOT RESUSCITATE from director Leah Finegold.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/please-do-not-resuscitate
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 19-min drama THE AXE FORGETS from director John Christopher.
James Jameson is a man torn between his genteel Irish life and the unspeakable atrocities he witnessed, and perhaps orchestrated in the Congo.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/the-axe-forgets
James Jameson is a man torn between his genteel Irish life and the unspeakable atrocities he witnessed, and perhaps orchestrated in the Congo.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/the-axe-forgets
December 2, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 19-min drama THE AXE FORGETS from director John Christopher.
James Jameson is a man torn between his genteel Irish life and the unspeakable atrocities he witnessed, and perhaps orchestrated in the Congo.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/the-axe-forgets
James Jameson is a man torn between his genteel Irish life and the unspeakable atrocities he witnessed, and perhaps orchestrated in the Congo.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/the-axe-forgets
And that’s a wrap for Foyle Film Festival! Congratulations to all the selected filmmakers and the winners. You’ve been a bundle of joy and a pleasure to be the last festival for us for 2025 ❤️💚💙🎬😊 #festivalformulaontour #filmfestival #foylefilmfestival
November 30, 2025 at 8:56 PM
And that’s a wrap for Foyle Film Festival! Congratulations to all the selected filmmakers and the winners. You’ve been a bundle of joy and a pleasure to be the last festival for us for 2025 ❤️💚💙🎬😊 #festivalformulaontour #filmfestival #foylefilmfestival
We’re at Foyle Film Festival! Katie co-organised the industry weekend which kicks off tomorrow. Conversations with Directors Notes, Short Of The Week, Dublin Intl Film Festival, Glasgow Short Film Festival, London Short Film Festival + more❤️💚💙🎬 #festivalformulaontour #filmfestival #foylefilmfestival
November 28, 2025 at 11:47 PM
We’re at Foyle Film Festival! Katie co-organised the industry weekend which kicks off tomorrow. Conversations with Directors Notes, Short Of The Week, Dublin Intl Film Festival, Glasgow Short Film Festival, London Short Film Festival + more❤️💚💙🎬 #festivalformulaontour #filmfestival #foylefilmfestival
Welcome to the Arthouse Edition of the FF Insight Blog! This month our film experts are diving deep into the world of experimental cinema. From the history of film cooperatives to movie lists for you to expand yourself with at home. Check it out now!
https://www.festivalformula.com/insight
https://www.festivalformula.com/insight
November 28, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Welcome to the Arthouse Edition of the FF Insight Blog! This month our film experts are diving deep into the world of experimental cinema. From the history of film cooperatives to movie lists for you to expand yourself with at home. Check it out now!
https://www.festivalformula.com/insight
https://www.festivalformula.com/insight
Slate Filmmaker Alli Sadegiani reminds us why a well-administered film festival is a thing of beauty. #ReelOpinions
Check out Alli's film THE VIEW on its festival run, and find out more about Alli's work here: https://www.allimator.com/about/
Check out Alli's film THE VIEW on its festival run, and find out more about Alli's work here: https://www.allimator.com/about/
November 26, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Slate Filmmaker Alli Sadegiani reminds us why a well-administered film festival is a thing of beauty. #ReelOpinions
Check out Alli's film THE VIEW on its festival run, and find out more about Alli's work here: https://www.allimator.com/about/
Check out Alli's film THE VIEW on its festival run, and find out more about Alli's work here: https://www.allimator.com/about/
Kabir rushes toward a dinner with his friends. But when he arrives, a comment causes him to disassociate from the entire night.
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 17-min drama LIKE THAT DVD SCREENSAVER from director Aditya Raj Gureja.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/like-that-dvd-screensaver
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 17-min drama LIKE THAT DVD SCREENSAVER from director Aditya Raj Gureja.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/like-that-dvd-screensaver
November 26, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Kabir rushes toward a dinner with his friends. But when he arrives, a comment causes him to disassociate from the entire night.
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 17-min drama LIKE THAT DVD SCREENSAVER from director Aditya Raj Gureja.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/like-that-dvd-screensaver
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 17-min drama LIKE THAT DVD SCREENSAVER from director Aditya Raj Gureja.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/like-that-dvd-screensaver
Dutch-Indonesian filmmaker Bear Damen spent most of his early summers sailing with his father around the world.
Check out Bear's Slate Film SYNTHESIZE ME on its festival journey right now!
Find out more about Bear's work: https://beardamen.com/
Check out Bear's Slate Film SYNTHESIZE ME on its festival journey right now!
Find out more about Bear's work: https://beardamen.com/
November 25, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Dutch-Indonesian filmmaker Bear Damen spent most of his early summers sailing with his father around the world.
Check out Bear's Slate Film SYNTHESIZE ME on its festival journey right now!
Find out more about Bear's work: https://beardamen.com/
Check out Bear's Slate Film SYNTHESIZE ME on its festival journey right now!
Find out more about Bear's work: https://beardamen.com/
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 21-min documentary IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME, OUTLIVE ME - The musical love story of Texas rockabilly legend Dale Watson and wife Celine Lee - from directors Alejandro Ruax and Saskia d'Altena.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/if-you-really-love-me-outlive-me
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/if-you-really-love-me-outlive-me
November 24, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 21-min documentary IF YOU REALLY LOVE ME, OUTLIVE ME - The musical love story of Texas rockabilly legend Dale Watson and wife Celine Lee - from directors Alejandro Ruax and Saskia d'Altena.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/if-you-really-love-me-outlive-me
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/if-you-really-love-me-outlive-me
IndyCar World Champion and Indy 500 winner Will Power returns to his hometown. A long-buried sibling rivalry with his comedian brother resurfaces.
Welcome to the Slate to the 18-min drama RETURN OF THE CHAMP from director Damien Power.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/return-of-the-champ
Welcome to the Slate to the 18-min drama RETURN OF THE CHAMP from director Damien Power.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/return-of-the-champ
November 22, 2025 at 4:31 PM
IndyCar World Champion and Indy 500 winner Will Power returns to his hometown. A long-buried sibling rivalry with his comedian brother resurfaces.
Welcome to the Slate to the 18-min drama RETURN OF THE CHAMP from director Damien Power.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/return-of-the-champ
Welcome to the Slate to the 18-min drama RETURN OF THE CHAMP from director Damien Power.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/return-of-the-champ
Tonight Esther and Katie headed to the Earls Court International Film Festival gala. Short films, good chats, and fish and chips. What more could you want? ❤️💚💙🎬🐟🍟 #festivalformulaontour #shortfilm #filmfestival #earlscourtinternationalfilmfestival
November 21, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Tonight Esther and Katie headed to the Earls Court International Film Festival gala. Short films, good chats, and fish and chips. What more could you want? ❤️💚💙🎬🐟🍟 #festivalformulaontour #shortfilm #filmfestival #earlscourtinternationalfilmfestival
In 1929 Hollywood, fading silent star Lorna Harper struggles to stay relevant. When a young actress threatens her place in the spotlight, Lorna spirals.
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 13-min drama TALKIES from director Sonya Kanevskaya.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/talkies
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 13-min drama TALKIES from director Sonya Kanevskaya.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/talkies
November 21, 2025 at 4:04 PM
In 1929 Hollywood, fading silent star Lorna Harper struggles to stay relevant. When a young actress threatens her place in the spotlight, Lorna spirals.
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 13-min drama TALKIES from director Sonya Kanevskaya.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/talkies
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 13-min drama TALKIES from director Sonya Kanevskaya.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/talkies
Need a quick laugh?
Check out these reccs of comedy short films, brought to you courtesy of Eli Lewy and Sara Neidorf from Final Girls Berlin, and filmmaker Ben. S. Hyland.
Then check out the full list on the Insight Blog: https://www.festivalformula.com/insight/recommendedcomedyshorts
Check out these reccs of comedy short films, brought to you courtesy of Eli Lewy and Sara Neidorf from Final Girls Berlin, and filmmaker Ben. S. Hyland.
Then check out the full list on the Insight Blog: https://www.festivalformula.com/insight/recommendedcomedyshorts
November 20, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Need a quick laugh?
Check out these reccs of comedy short films, brought to you courtesy of Eli Lewy and Sara Neidorf from Final Girls Berlin, and filmmaker Ben. S. Hyland.
Then check out the full list on the Insight Blog: https://www.festivalformula.com/insight/recommendedcomedyshorts
Check out these reccs of comedy short films, brought to you courtesy of Eli Lewy and Sara Neidorf from Final Girls Berlin, and filmmaker Ben. S. Hyland.
Then check out the full list on the Insight Blog: https://www.festivalformula.com/insight/recommendedcomedyshorts
Burdened by isolation and loneliness, a college freshman follows ghostly signals—and finds the courage to lift what’s buried inside him.
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 20-min drama/fantasy BURIED ABOVE GROUND from director Anna Chi. https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/buried-above-ground
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 20-min drama/fantasy BURIED ABOVE GROUND from director Anna Chi. https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/buried-above-ground
November 19, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Burdened by isolation and loneliness, a college freshman follows ghostly signals—and finds the courage to lift what’s buried inside him.
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 20-min drama/fantasy BURIED ABOVE GROUND from director Anna Chi. https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/buried-above-ground
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 20-min drama/fantasy BURIED ABOVE GROUND from director Anna Chi. https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/buried-above-ground
Two dead bodies form an unexpected connection, posing an answer to one of life’s most important
questions: What happens when we die?
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 17-min drama THE IMPENDING WHITE LIGHT from director Ben Wicks.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/the-impending-white-light
questions: What happens when we die?
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 17-min drama THE IMPENDING WHITE LIGHT from director Ben Wicks.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/the-impending-white-light
November 19, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Two dead bodies form an unexpected connection, posing an answer to one of life’s most important
questions: What happens when we die?
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 17-min drama THE IMPENDING WHITE LIGHT from director Ben Wicks.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/the-impending-white-light
questions: What happens when we die?
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 17-min drama THE IMPENDING WHITE LIGHT from director Ben Wicks.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/the-impending-white-light
Thanks to Moviemaker Magazine for including FF's Katie and Ian Bignell on the panel to pick their 25 coolest film festivals.
Check out the full list here: https://www.moviemaker.com/coolest-film-festivals-panel-of-cool-2025/
Check out the full list here: https://www.moviemaker.com/coolest-film-festivals-panel-of-cool-2025/
November 18, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Thanks to Moviemaker Magazine for including FF's Katie and Ian Bignell on the panel to pick their 25 coolest film festivals.
Check out the full list here: https://www.moviemaker.com/coolest-film-festivals-panel-of-cool-2025/
Check out the full list here: https://www.moviemaker.com/coolest-film-festivals-panel-of-cool-2025/
In the shadow of World War I, newlywed Ruth Mallory witnesses her husband George's insatiable
ambition for adventure.
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 10-min biopic BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH from director Michael Peel. https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/between-heaven-and-earth
ambition for adventure.
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 10-min biopic BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH from director Michael Peel. https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/between-heaven-and-earth
November 15, 2025 at 4:02 PM
In the shadow of World War I, newlywed Ruth Mallory witnesses her husband George's insatiable
ambition for adventure.
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 10-min biopic BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH from director Michael Peel. https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/between-heaven-and-earth
ambition for adventure.
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 10-min biopic BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH from director Michael Peel. https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/between-heaven-and-earth
When a failing actress refuses to sell her likeness for AI, she’s pursued by a perfect copy of herself.
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 10-min drama THE VISITOR from director Elliot Kealoha Blanchard. https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/the-visitor
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 10-min drama THE VISITOR from director Elliot Kealoha Blanchard. https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/the-visitor
November 14, 2025 at 6:02 PM
When a failing actress refuses to sell her likeness for AI, she’s pursued by a perfect copy of herself.
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 10-min drama THE VISITOR from director Elliot Kealoha Blanchard. https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/the-visitor
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 10-min drama THE VISITOR from director Elliot Kealoha Blanchard. https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/the-visitor
In a care home, a woman breaks restraint to taste a forbidden humbug, bringing ecstasy. But by not leaving the required offering, she summons a creature.
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 10-min comedy THE HUMBUG from filmmaker Cole Paviour.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/the-humbug
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 10-min comedy THE HUMBUG from filmmaker Cole Paviour.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/the-humbug
November 14, 2025 at 10:02 AM
In a care home, a woman breaks restraint to taste a forbidden humbug, bringing ecstasy. But by not leaving the required offering, she summons a creature.
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 10-min comedy THE HUMBUG from filmmaker Cole Paviour.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/the-humbug
Welcome to the FF Slate to the 10-min comedy THE HUMBUG from filmmaker Cole Paviour.
https://www.festivalformula.com/theslate/the-humbug