How to Prepare Yourself for a Festival
Staying grounded, prepared, and visually aligned in a whirlwind week.
Festivals are exhilarating — and overstimulating. Between press, screenings, late nights, weather surprises, and endless conversations, you’re juggling far more than just your film. Preparing early helps you stay present, grounded, and visually confident once you arrive.
Start with the weather
Check the forecast, then check the forecast from last year. Festivals often repeat patterns, and a little historical research helps you pack smart for outdoor carpets, long queues, and unpredictable shifts.
Organize your press
Create a single document with everything: interview times, press appearances, panel details. When you’re sleep-deprived and running between venues, one central source of truth is a lifesaver.
Pre-plan your looks — but build flexibility
Choose 1–2 looks you know you’ll wear, then pack extra pieces you can swap in depending on mood or weather. Your premiere look matters most: it should feel cohesive with the festival’s aesthetic and photography style. Look at images the festival posted last year — what they amplify gives you clues on what they’ll choose to promote again.
Pack intentionally
Use packing cubes. Plan for at least one backup per day. Build outfits that can adapt if temperatures swing or venues vary.
Know your festival
Research the vibe: the audience, the industry presence, even the theater where your film premieres. Understanding the environment makes your styling more intentional and reduces stress the moment you arrive.
When your looks are prepared, your mind is clearer — and you can focus on what matters: showing up fully for your film.
