The Role of Film Festivals in Talent Management and Career Development

When the word cinema is mentioned, one may think of the latest box-office hits that are shown at cinema venues. Behind this commercialized perspective of cinema, there is a universe called the film industry. Film festivals function as spaces of legitimacy, reputation and power. However, film festivals are not only a space for film exhibition. They are now involved in the early stages of film production and development of emerging talents. Despite these new insights, the talent initiatives of film festivals remain underexplored. Therefore, the study formulates the research question: "What is the role of film festivals in talent management and career development regarding emerging talents in the film industry?". The study aims to identify the mechanisms of talent management and the paths they might open towards sustainable film careers as well as provide an understanding on career precarity of the artistic labor market in the cultural and creative industries. Through 11 semi-structured interviews with festival directors, talent and industry managers and film programmers, the research explores the function of film festivals in nurturing talent and how career uncertainty is reduced. Film festivals function as career gatekeepers, matchmakers and key players in shaping regional, national and international markets. They provide entrepreneurial and soft skills, function as spaces for connectivity and knowledge sharing and offer networking opportunities. Talent initiatives develop emerging talents' artistic vision and personality in terms of determination and resilience. Therefore, they have the role of a cultural institution that invests in talent to secure its position in the industry and to provide meaningful stories to society. The study concludes that despite their role in launching careers, uncertainty is not fully prevented, and emerging talents do not always acquire economic capital after participating in talent programs. There is no guaranteed success after making the first film and projects are often not realized due to excessive supply of emerging talents, absence of funding or collaborators, and luck. This study acknowledges the gap between emerging and post-emerging stages of a film career and calls for attention in strengthening festival structures towards talent and career development that can also inform studies in the cultural and creative industries.