Purchase portfolio folders. These folders have plastic sheets in which you can insert each piece of printed material for your festival. As an alternative, have the materials printed and bound professionally. Include a cover sheet with the name of the film festival and dates.
Create a statement from the festival director about the short films being shown on screen. Add a synopsis of several films that are debuting at the festival. Write an interesting summary to catch the attention of movie goers and critics.
Create biographies of key directors and staff involved in the film festival. Consider highlighting biographies of the producers and actors being shown in a few of the short films. This gives journalists some background information to share with readers regarding the types of short films to expect at your festival.
Use the press packets to tell movie critics and the public about the festival's theme or history. Include photographs of past festivals and promotional media for movies that are set to premier at the upcoming event. Ask producers for pictures of cast members posing or acting in various moments in their short film.
Ask each producer for a trailer of their short film. Save the trailers on a DVD and insert it in the back of the press packet.
Create a sheet for contact information for journalists, critics and fans. List the names, telephone numbers and emails of the individuals who can arrange for press tours, viewings and interviews.