The Audience Isn’t Waiting—How Film Festivals Can Lead the Change

A recent industry report by Film i Väst, “The Audience Isn’t Waiting—Are We Ready to Change?”, sends a clear message: audience behaviors are evolving fast, and the film industry—including festivals—must adapt to stay relevant.

Here’s a summary of the report’s seven key findings and how film festivals can lead the change:

🎟 1. Cinema Attendance Is Stabilizing Below Pre-Pandemic Levels

Even with hits like Barbie and Oppenheimer, cinema audiences haven’t fully returned.

What it means for festivals: Festivals can’t assume audiences will show up out of habit. They must position themselves as immersive, curated cultural events—creating social buzz, meaningful dialogue, and memorable experiences beyond just screenings.

📺 2. Streamers Focus on Series to Reduce Churn

Platforms rely on series to build habits and loyalty. Films still matter—but only if they create ongoing impact.

For festivals: Help filmmakers build audience connections that go beyond one-off screenings. Offer Q&As, audience voting, and digital follow-ups to extend the life of the film and deepen viewer relationships.

🔁 3. ‘Rewatch Value’ Is a New Success Metric

Films that spark repeat viewings are more valuable to platforms and buyers.

Festival tip: Track and promote which films audiences love most through live ratings and feedback. Tools like Votemo help surface not just what was screened—but what truly resonated.

🎯 4. Audience Design Is Crucial to a Film’s Success

Filmmakers are increasingly identifying and engaging their audiences during development.

Festivals can support this by: Helping filmmakers reach their target audiences through curated programming, targeted outreach, and participatory tools that gather audience data and reactions in real time.

🏛 5. Public Agencies Want Audience-Centric Projects

Funders are shifting toward results: who’s watching, how much they engage, and why it matters.

Festivals’ advantage: You can prove impact. With real-time insights, engagement rates, and audience feedback, festivals become essential partners for funders looking for measurable cultural return.

🔄 6. Flexibility and Collaboration Are Key

The industry needs to work together across silos to respond to rapid changes.

For festivals: Collaborate with streamers, cinemas, public broadcasters, and tech platforms. Offer hybrid formats, test new viewing models, and share audience insights to foster long-term growth.

⚠️ 7. Content Saturation Demands Smart Curation

There’s too much content—and too little attention.

Festivals can shine by: Acting as trusted curators. Help audiences discover standout works they wouldn’t find on their own, and give those films visibility with buyers, platforms, and press.

How Film Festivals Can Lead the Change?

This report is a call to action: audiences aren’t waiting—and neither should we. Film festivals have a unique opportunity to be the bridge between creators, audiences, and the industry. By adopting audience-first strategies, embracing data, and leaning into collaboration, festivals can shape the future of cinema—not just celebrate its past.

Want to modernize your audience engagement?

Explore how Votemo helps festivals collect audience feedback, run secure audience awards, and provide meaningful data to filmmakers, funders, and buyers.

Newfest Film Festival