CAFF Film Festival Accelerator

From Vision to Sponsor Pitch – Applications Due May 11 11:59PM

When film festivals fail it is often because the business behind the vision isn’t built to last.

The CAFF Film Festival Accelerator Lab is a hands-on, cohort-based program designed for festival directors and producers who are ready to move beyond survival mode and build financially sustainable, growth-ready festivals. Over four cohort sessions, participants will break down the economics of their festival, strengthen their financial infrastructure, and develop the tools needed to attract real investment.

Participants will move from big-picture strategy to practical execution—mapping revenue streams, building credible budgets, and learning how to position their festival as a compelling investment for funders, sponsors, and partners.

What You’ll Do

• Deconstruct your festival’s current business model
• Build a clear value proposition and identify key partners
• Develop diversified, realistic revenue strategies
• Strengthen budgeting, bookkeeping, and financial projections
• Create a professional sponsorship pitch grounded in your festival’s strengths

What You’ll Leave With

• A personalized Festival Business Canvas
• A standardized, funder-ready budget framework
• A sponsorship pitch deck you can use immediately

The Final Pitch

The Lab culminates in a live Sponsor Pitch Presentation, where participants will present their festival to a room of real funders and partners. This is your opportunity to test your pitch, make meaningful connections, and secure support. $2,500 in funding will be awarded to participants.

2026 Cohort Schedule

• Wed July 8, 6PM-8PM (in person, location tba)
• Wed July 15, 5:30PM-7PM (virtual)
• Wed July 29, 5:30PM-7PM (virtual)
• Wed Aug 12, 6PM-8PM (in person pitch, location tba)

Selection Criteria

• Organization or project is a film festival
• All are welcome to apply, priority will be given to members of Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals
• Commitment of up two people from the organization must be able to participate in all 4 sessions of the program.

Who Should Apply

• Film festival directors, producers, or leadership teams
• Festivals in early to mid-stage development seeking growth and sustainability
• Teams ready to engage deeply with both the creative and business sides of their work
• There is no fee to apply or to participate

Application Schedule

• April 9 Applications Open
• May 11 Applications Close
• May 22 Acceptance Notification
• July 9 Sessions Begin
• Aug 12 Sessions End

(Participation is limited. Selected festivals may send up to two team members.)