Podcast
The Film Festival Doctor Podcast
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
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35 min
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.
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53 min
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.
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36 min
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/lffTrailer:
https://youtu.be/yE0xGvfOuuQ?si=Yv_L-nobHrhn6GbvFollow on Instagram - @britishfilminstitute
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1 hr 3 min
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.
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20 min
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.
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1 hr 14 min
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.
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11 min
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.
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46 min
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.
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13 min
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.
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1 hr 12 min
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.
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55 min
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.
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1 min
Film Festival Doctor Podcast Trailer Trailer
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53 min
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.
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1 hr 13 min
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.
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56 min
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.
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52 min
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
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57 min
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.
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55 min
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.
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40 min
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
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38 min
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.
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