For many aspiring and independent creators, entering the film industry can feel overwhelming. In today’s digital era — where smartphones, AI editing tools, and instant publishing make it possible for anyone to create — thousands of videos flood the internet every second. Without guidance or validation, even a promising filmmaker can lose momentum. The FFTG Awards Film Festival® was created to change that — designed as a tech-powered, digital-first platform to give filmmakers lasting visibility and credibility beyond a single event.
Founded in 2020 by Rohit Gupta, an award-winning filmmaker whose early works — from the $100 short Another Day Another Life (NYFA project, Cannes Short Film Corner) to the acclaimed American features Life! Camera Action… and Midnight Delight — embodied the indie spirit FFTG champions. Gupta also brought his global distribution and marketing expertise to FFTG, having worked closely with superstar R. Madhavan on the worldwide release of the National Award-winning Rocketry: The Nambi Effect. These experiences — spanning micro-budget filmmaking to large-scale global releases — shaped FFTG into a festival built to empower storytellers at every level.
Film Festivals To Go — A Philosophy in Action
FFTG stands for Film Festivals To Go — a philosophy as much as a name. Unlike traditional festivals that end when the credits roll, FFTG ensures every officially selected project lives beyond the event, with a permanent showcase on fftgawards.com. This platform features trailers, interviews, and curated visibility across various media outlets, creating a lasting space for filmmakers to showcase their work. With a focus on providing filmmakers not just recognition but also continuous engagement, FFTG’s digital-first approach challenges the conventional boundaries of a traditional film festival. Filmmakers are provided an avenue for year-round visibility, which allows them to gain recognition well beyond the festival cycle, a valuable aspect in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Over the years, FFTG has formed collaborations with respected industry brands, further strengthening its festival ecosystem. These partnerships include Filmstro, Final Draft, SparqFest, Virtual PitchFest, Adobe, and Society Awards, among others. Through these collaborations, FFTG has been able to offer filmmakers valuable resources, from creative tools to industry insights, elevating their visibility while offering professional opportunities. The support provided by these brands helps filmmakers not only gain recognition but also acquire the necessary resources to enhance their craft and make their next steps in the industry. By leveraging these partnerships, FFTG plays an integral role in guiding filmmakers through the complexities of the film industry, ensuring they have access to top-tier tools and platforms for growth.
Not Another Cannes or Sundance — and Proudly So
FFTG isn’t here to replicate the glamour or stardom associated with festivals like Cannes or Sundance. Instead, it focuses on what matters most to today’s creators: validation, visibility, and a sense of momentum. In an industry where content creation is often saturated and fleeting, the festival provides filmmakers with a platform that encourages them to continue their creative journeys. FFTG serves as a catalyst for long-term growth and an essential reminder that validation can come at any stage of one’s career, not just when securing multimillion-dollar deals or distribution contracts. The festival’s focus on personal achievement over grandiose aspirations ensures that filmmakers can continue creating, building, and learning.
A key element of FFTG’s mission is the exclusive We, The Chosen One’s® jury program. This unique initiative allows past winners and nominees to curate and evaluate new selections, gaining insight into the festival process while recognizing the next wave of global talent. The program provides an opportunity for jury members to contribute to the growth of the industry, creating a network of professionals who can offer valuable feedback and support to emerging filmmakers. Each jury member is granted the credential of FFTG International Jury Member (Year), a distinction that is highly regarded within the film community. This program is integral in promoting a collaborative and progressive environment for filmmakers and is part of FFTG’s broader mission to establish a global, supportive community.
Recognition That Lasts
With its fully digital model, IMDb qualification, and a growing global community, FFTG has reimagined what a film festival can be. As Gupta explains:
“FFTG isn’t here to be another Cannes or Sundance. It’s here to be the first ‘yes’ for creators, a validation that tells them this path is worth exploring — and that recognition can continue long after the festival itself.”
By focusing on empowering filmmakers at all stages of their careers, FFTG is not just a film festival but a platform that provides filmmakers with the resources and exposure they need to succeed. With a dedication to giving creators continuous recognition and support, FFTG continues to grow as an influential force in the film industry, supporting both seasoned creators and emerging talents as they navigate their creative paths.
For more, visit: https://fftgawards.com
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