NewEnglandFilm.com

Founder and director Judy Laster gives us the skinny on the Woods Hole Film Festival.

Number of Yearly Submissions: 1,000

Number of Films Typically Accepted: 105

What are you looking for when choosing which films you select?

Interesting story that will appeal to our audience, good production values, if a dramatic film: good acting, something unique, universal appeal.

What are your biggest pet peeves from filmmakers?

Not having all of the information and capability needed to support the film at the Festival. It is crucial to support the film by attending the festival, having good material for the media, and actively participating in social media support. Filmmakers have to be a partner in creating the excitement for their project.

What is your advice for filmmakers looking to apply to your festival, or to others?

Take a look at the films we have screened in the past as an indication of the type of film that could be of interest to the programmers, not so much for subject matter, but the overall program we offer from year to year. Make sure you have received feedback from other people about your film before you send it to Festivals. Make sure that you are enthusiastic about the process of Festivals and a willing participant.

What is your advice to audience goers for how best to enjoy your festival?

See as many films as you can and enjoy the breadth and width of talent that the Festival has to offer.