Congratulations! You've finished your independent cinematic masterpiece. Now you want it to be seen by as many people as possible. There are thousands of film festivals to choose from, but there are hundreds of thousands of other aspiring filmmakers vying for a screen at those festivals. How do you choose the right festival for your project? What are the festival programmers looking for when deciding which films to program? What are the common mistakes that make them want to hit the fast forward button while reviewing your film? How can you beat the odds to become an Official Selection? And what should you expect when you get into a festival? If you play the film festival game, you can't afford to miss this month's panel of esteemed film festival directors and programmers.

RENEE HERRELL is the co-founder and executive director of the San Diego Women Film Foundation and its San Diego Women Film Festival, now entering its fourth year. Holding a Masters degree in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of San Diego, Herrell uses her foundation and festival to promote positive media images for women.

ROBIN LAATZ is the founder and executive director of the San Diego Film Festival, which was listed as a top ten vacation and party festival in Chris Gore's "Ultimate Film Festival Survival Guide." SDFF celebrates its fifth anniversary this September. Prior to starting SDFF, Laatz was president Mystic Media where she developed promotional campaigns for independent films.

DAVE LARSON is the founder and executive director of BestFest America and president of its nonprofit host, the Visual Arts Foundation. Now in its eighth year, BestFest is the nation's largest student film festival. It has received submissions from over 1,000 students this year and will screen over 70 student shorts July 28-30. Also a teacher and mentor, Larson created the 48 Hours of Madnessª competition for BestFest.

GEORGE LIN has been the associate festival director of the San Diego Asian Film Festival for the past three years. Prior to coming to San Diego, Lin founded the DC Asian Pacific American Festival in Washington, D.C., in 2000. The SDAFF is now preparing for its seventh annual festival, coming in October.

JASON MARSH is the features programmer for the Newport Beach Film Festival, which recently wrapped its seventh year showcasing over 350 films from around the world.

Come network with your San Diego filmmaking peers from 5:30 to 6:30, then stay for this rare film festival insider's panel!

Don't forget to bring your business cards and head shots! And please be sure to tell everyone you know in the San Diego filmmaking community about this exciting, free event. See you there.

Pictures from the Meeting