DarkImbecile wrote:So in about a month I'll be heading to Telluride for the first major festival I've ever attended; I have a Festival Pass, so I can potentially access almost every screening. Any tips for navigating Telluride in particular or major festivals in general that anyone can share?
This year will only be my second time at the festival (and my second time attending without a pass of any kind), but the couple things I discovered:
Telluride's a small town, but hoofing from the Pierre/Palm to the Werner Herzog, or getting back and forth from the Chuck Jones (which is separated from the other venues by a gondola ride) can take a bit of time. With a pass, you'll still get in ahead of individual ticket purchasers if seats are available, even at the last moment, but it's something to consider as you plan out your schedule.
It seemed a point of confusion, but passholders did not get first access to most of the repertory screenings I attended. It was purely first come, first served—pass or not—until the venue was full.
When I attended, the big-budget film screenings on the first night did not fill up entirely with passholders (individual tickets were available); so it seems you've a good chance at getting one of those out of the way the first night you're there (if you're there on Friday night, and if they appeal to you). Smaller films in the smaller theaters DID fill up quickly with passholders on the first night/first full day, so you'd want to get there quite early if you want into those early on in the festival.
Download the Telluride festival app and keep a close eye on the TBDs that fill in for Sunday/Monday screenings.
Again, I've only been there once, without a pass, so my input might not be so insightful or relevant. But it's a gorgeous place for a film festival, it's easily navigated and not overwhelming in the slightest, and the festival itself has a laid-back vibe that is really pleasant. Hope you enjoy it!
*edit*
I wanted to add that, even attending without a pass and barring unavoidable scheduling conflicts, I was able to see every film I really wanted to see (plus a couple that I decided to check out on a whim). From Saturday to Monday morning, I saw at least eight films. (Three or four per day on Sat/Sun, and one on Monday morning before I left.) I just had to line up earlier than passholders to make sure I got a seat.
As a passholder, you'll have more time, and you'll be able to see more.