How Best to Fest

Block off as much time as possible and plan on attending opening night through closing films on Sunday – that’s the typical playbook for the most enthusiastic of film lovers. These attendees find that buying a film festival pass allows them maximum flexibility for shaping their experience. All passes offer a greater cost savings, and some passes allow for access to VIP events and special parties.

Knowing your personal film “stamina” helps. Individual tickets are best for those who want to come and sample a few films. Our film slate provides descriptions and in some cases movie trailers that help you make your choices.

Overall, most people find after they’ve been a small part of the film festival atmosphere, they don’t want to miss out on anything.

A film guide will be available showing starting times, Q&As and special events – and most important, it’s wise to embrace the idea that you may not see everything that’s available. Our goal is to offer you an embarrassment of cinematic riches that make the selection process exciting and difficult.

People in jeans. People dressed up. People in lines waiting to get into films, and special lines for pass holders and VIPs whose higher pass prices help subsidize lower individual ticket sales.

You can expect a concession area with popcorn, movie treats, soda, wine and beer in the Belbas Lobby. The Pavilion allows adult beverages in the theaters – making it the only experience like this in Sioux Falls.

Expect people to not text or talk on cell phones during the films.

You should expect to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the screening time, and bring your patience. Reel Dakota is committed to running an organized and on-time festival experience, but please expect that every festival has some technical difficulties from time to time.

We’ve devoted an entire year to screening and selecting high-caliber independent and foreign films for your viewing pleasure. Films have been submitted to the festival from around the world – and from right here in South Dakota. Since many of these films are in the process of seeking distribution, most do not have an MPAA rating. Film Festivals allow non-studio backed films the opportunity to gain traction, attention and audience support – so by attending and being a pass holder you are often helping “the little guy” on the path to notoriety. For more information on passes and tickets, please click here.

Film festivals are all about the films, but they’re also about making connections with filmmakers and other people in the community who simply share a love for good movies. It is also a place where attendees learn about upcoming films, casting calls, investment opportunities and production jobs in the industry.

At the Reel Dakota Film Festival, there will be Q&A sessions with filmmakers as well as educational sessions. Also, there will be fun galas, receptions and after parties, so come ready to mix and mingle with passionate, interesting film lovers. We promise you won’t be at a loss for great conversation.

Come be a part of Reel Dakota and find out what the buzz is all about.