A short guide to get accredited to film festivals

Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to get in in the hottest festivals of the season.

With Cannes on the horizon, it’s important for us film lovers to know how to get access to the biggest film festivals. First off:

What’s an accreditation?

An accreditation is a pass of sorts that will grant you access to film festivals, based on different criteria, such as experience, level of enthusiasm, age, etc.

What types of accreditation can I get?

It depends on which festival you want to attend. Here’s a guide on how to get them for three of the year’s most well-renowned film ceremonies.

Cannes (May 13th-24th, 2025)

There are four types of passes you can choose from:

Film professionals

Who is it for? Professionals in the industry, such as writers, directors, producers and many, many more.

When’s the deadline to apply? April 15th, so you better hurry if you want a chance to attend!

How much does it cost? The late fee is 224€. And it’s non-refundable! So keep that in mind. But be ahead of the curve if you want a much cheaper price next year (Early Bird fee is 24€).

What do you need for the application process? Among proof of identification, you also need to show you’ve worked in the film industry for at least a year. You can prove this with IMBD, letters from people you’ve worked with, festival selections or more.

 Press & Media

Who is it for? Journalist and media assigned to cover the festival.

When’s the deadline to apply? April 11th! But you can always apply next year.

How much does it cost? 20€, for an “environmental contribution”.

What do you need for the application process? Proof of identity, for yourself and for your company, as well as samples of your work.

Cinephiles

Who is it for? Film students, school groups or members of cultural film institutions.

When’s the deadline to apply? March 1! But you can start preparing your application for 2026.

How much does it cost? 24€, for an “environmental contribution”.

What do you need for the application process? A letter about why you want to attend, a valid ID, and proof of membership to the festival.

3 Days in Cannes

Who is it for? People from 18-28 years old. 

What’s the difference between this one and the others? You attend Cannes for only three consecutive days. The slots are: May 14-16, May 19-21 and May 22-24.

When’s the deadline to apply? It was in March 15!

How much does it cost?: 24€, for an “environmental contribution”.

What do you need for the application process? A letter explaining why you want to be in Cannes and a valid ID.

More information on Cannes accreditations here.

Tribeca (June 4th-15th, 2025)

Who is it for? Professional filmmakers.

What do you need for the application process? Film credits and explaining why do you want to attend the festival.

What’s the deadline to apply? Applications are considered on a rolling basis, even during the festival.

How much does it cost? Unlike Cannes, the packages are much less accessible, the cheapest starting from 125$ (a virtual pass) to up to 1000$ (giving you access to all screenings and talks). However, you can go as a regular audience member, buying a single ticket or 8 or 12 ticket bundles.

More on Tribeca here.

Venice Film Festival (August 27th-September 6th, 2025)

There are seven types of accreditations that you can apply for, depending on your relationship to film. 

Press accreditation

Who is it for? Journalists, photographers and representatives of the press.

When’s the deadline to apply? June 4th, 2025.

How much does it cost? 70€.

What do you for the application process? Proof of work, as well as a letter from your company.

Industry

Who is it for? Every person that works in the film industry. There are three types in this category: Gold, Trade and Professional, each with a different access levels and privileges.

When’s the deadline to apply? Early birds (cheapest price) have a June 4th deadline. July 31st for Full Registration. And August 1st for Late Registration.

How much does it cost? It varies, but estimated go as follows:

Accreditation Type:

• Industry Gold 300€ (Early Bird Fee (by June 4)), 350€ (Full Fee (by July 31)), 450€ (Late Fee (from August 1))

• Industry Trade 250€ (Early Bird Fee (by June 4)), 300€ (Full Fee (by July 31)), 400€ (Late Fee (from August 1))

• Industry Professional 200€ (Early Bird Fee (by June 4)), 250€ (Full Fee (by July 31)), 350€ (Late Fee (from August 1))

What do you for the application process? Again, it varies. But you need to have CVs and any proof of work (letters, statements from co-workers, etc) ready for what’s requested.

Delegation

Who is it for? People whose projects were selected for the festival.

When’s the deadline to apply? There’s no estimated deadline yet, but it’s presumed around late August.

How much does it cost? It’s complimentary!

What do you for the application process? If your film was selected, you will basically need to put everything about your selected project and the company that worked in it.

Cinema

Who is it for? Educators, cultural association members and cinephiles.

When’s the deadline to apply? June 4th at Early Birds. August 13th is the limit, but early submission is suggested because of limited availability.

How much does it cost? 80€ for Early Birds, 95€ for later.

What do you for the application process? Make sure you’re eligible, have proof of profession and of identity, plus you’ll need to fill up an application form.

University Student

Who is it for? For uni students who are passionate about film.

When’s the deadline to apply? June 4th at Early Birds. August 13th is the limit, but early submission is suggested because of limited availability.

How much does it cost? 80€ for Early Birds, 95€ for later.

What do you for the application process? Proof of age, education and identity.

Promotional passes

Who is it for? People under 26 or over 60 that work in promotional work.

When’s the deadline to apply? June 4th at Early Birds. August 13th is the limit, but early submission is suggested because of limited availability.

How much does it cost? 80€ for Early Birds, 95€ for later.

What do you for the application process? Proof of professional experience and of age.

More information here.

So there you have it! Are you ready to enrol on your next cinematic experience?