Podcast

The Film Festival Doctor Podcast

Business, Film Interviews, Marketing, TV & Film

Rebekah Louisa Smith, aka The Film Festival Doctor, is a film festival strategist who can help you get your film seen on the festival circuit.

Her podcast focuses on all things film festivals to help you learn more about this part of the film industry.

Rebekah interviews festival programmers from all over the world, unpacking their programming process and exploring in detail what they look for when selecting films to screen at their festival.

You can find out more about her here www.thefilmfestivaldoctor.com & Instagram @rebekahfilmdr

Like, Subscribe, leave a review and visit the Shop page on the website for more free resources and information.

Episodes
82
Releases
Every two weeks
Typical length
52 min
On air since
2019
Latest episode
5 days ago

Episodes

82 episodes, newest first

  1. Introducing the Ouray International Film Festival

    Show notes

    In this episode, Rebekah speaks with Jacob Abell the Co-Founder of the Ouray International Film Festival to discuss how he curates his ‘mix tape’ style programming and builds a strong long-lasting community of filmmakers nestled in the mountains in Colorado.

    35 min
  2. Behind the Scenes at the Proof Film Festival

    Show notes

    In this episode, Rebekah sits down with Imani Davis the founder of the Proof Film Festival, a short film festival in Los Angeles dedicated to highlighting the best in proof-of-concept films to discuss what types of films they are looking for and the value of a strong POC short film.

    53 min
  3. Feature Film Programming at the BFI London Film Festival

    Show notes

    In this episode, Rebekah speaks candidly with Grace Barber-Plentie, one of the BFI London Film Festival programmers discussing what she looks for when programming feature films. They also discuss some of the highlights from this year’s festival including actor Ashley Walter’s directorial debut and the boundary pushing Josephine.

    BFI London Film Festival Website:
    https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/lff

    Trailer:
    https://youtu.be/yE0xGvfOuuQ?si=Yv_L-nobHrhn6Gbv

    Follow on Instagram - @britishfilminstitute

    36 min
  4. Spotlight on the BIFA Qualifying Mansfield Town Film Festival

    Show notes

    In this episode, Rebekah sits down with Jay Martin the Festival Director of the BIFA qualifying Mansfield Town Film Festival to discuss working class film programming and curating a selection of quality independent films to Mansfield, U.K.

    1 hr 3 min
  5. Bitesize Episode - Spotlight on Asian American Film Programming

    Show notes

    In this new ‘Bitesize’ series Rebekah takes a deep dive for 15 minutes on one topic with a film festival programmer. In this episode, she sits down with Tony Nguyen & Alishba Javaid the programming team from the Dallas Asian American Film Festival to discuss how they programme and curate Asian American focused cinema.

    20 min
  6. Programming TIFF & the Aspen Short Film Festival with Jason Anderson

    Show notes

    In this episode, Rebekah speaks with veteran programmer Jason Anderson discussing candidly programming Canadian, Benelux and Nordic feature films for the Toronto International Film Festival; Canadian feature films for the Kingston International Film Festival and short film programming at the Oscar Qualifying Aspen ShortsFest.

    1 hr 14 min
  7. Bitesize Episode - Spotlight on the Importance of Film Festival Partnerships

    Show notes

    In this new ‘Bitesize’ series Rebekah takes a deep dive for 15 minutes on one topic. In this episode, she sits down with marketing expert Eric Vollweiler to discuss how marketing plays a significant role in the film festival circuit.

    11 min
  8. The Film Festival Doctor Podcast LIVE from the Waco Independent Film Festival

    Show notes

    In this episode, recorded live from the Waco Independent Film Festival, Rebekah sits down with three film festival Directors from the McMinnville Short Film Festival, the Waco Independent Film Festival & the Oak Cliff Film Festival to discuss how they programme and curate their film festivals.

    46 min
  9. Bitesize Episode - Spotlight on Disability Film Programming

    Show notes

    In this new ‘Bitesize’ series Rebekah takes a deep dive for 15 minutes on one topic with a film festival programmer. In this episode, she sits down with Nicole Sandavol from the Champion Film Salon International Film Festival to discuss how they programme and curate disability focused films.

    13 min
  10. Behind The Scenes at the Aesthetica Short Film Festival

    Show notes

    In this episode, Rebekah speaks with Cherie Federico, the Festival Director of the Aesthetica Film Festival, one of the UK's largest BAFTA & BIFA qualifying film festivals.

    They discuss programming, curation and the huge amount of work that goes into building their critically acclaimed industry panels, masterclasses and workshops.

    1 hr 12 min
  11. Programming the Lone Star Film Festival

    Show notes

    In this episode, Rebekah speaks with Anderson William the Lone Star Film Festival's Director of Programming. They discuss his role, how he curates the festival and the key patterns and trends he sees each year.

    55 min
  12. Film Festival Doctor Podcast Trailer Trailer

    1 min
  13. The Art of Genre Film Programming with Joe Mauceri

    Show notes

    In this episode, Rebekah takes a deep dive with veteran programmer Joe Mauceri who has worked in genre film programming for over 20 years. He is one of the curators of the Winter Film Festival's FEARS programme.

    53 min
  14. Oak Cliff Film Festival Preview 2026

    Show notes

    In this episode, Rebekah welcomes the Oak Cliff Film Festival back to the podcast. Lauren Alberque & Ashton Campbell share with her an exclusive preview of what's in store for this year's Festival and reveal their personal top film picks.

    1 hr 13 min
  15. Spotlight on the Beeston Film Festival

    Show notes

    In this episode, Rebekah takes a deep dive with John Currie, the Beeston Film Festival's Director, discussing the Festival's growth over the years, curating its programme, and becoming a BIFA qualifying Film Festival.

    56 min
  16. Behind the Scenes at the McMinnville Short Film Festival

    Show notes

    In this episode, Rebekah takes a deep dive into Oregon's premiere short film festival; the McMinnville Short Film Festival with the Executive Director and programmer Heather Older

    52 min
  17. Filmmaker Round Table Discussion

    Show notes

    Recorded live during the McMinnvile Short Film Festival, Rebekah sits down with three filmmakers; Ali Cook, Mylissa Fitzsimmons & Keaton Morris-Stan and talks candidly about their festival journeys, goals and experiences on the circuit.

    57 min
  18. Acting, Directing and Buffy the Vampire Slayer with Juliet Landau

    Show notes

    In this masterclass episode, Rebekah speaks with the iconic BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER superstar Juliet Landau. They discuss acting, first-time filmmaking and becoming a successful podcaster.

    55 min
  19. Spotlight on the Austin Revolution Film Festival

    Show notes

    In this episode, Rebekah speaks with James Christopher, one of the Co-Directors of the Austin Revolution Film Festival about how he operates his festival and the warm Texas welcome that the Festival gives to filmmakers

    40 min
  20. Short Film Programming at the Sundance Film Festival

    Show notes

    In this episode, Rebekah speaks with Lisa Ogdie, one of the short film programmers, exploring what the Sundance Shorts team looks for when curating their Festival.

    38 min