Dallas, Texas – September 29, 2026 – The Film Festival Doctor Podcast, hosted by internationally recognized film festival strategist Dr. Rebekah Louisa Smith, continues to gain international recognition with five festival awards, 20 official selections at international film festivals, and its latest honor as a Finalist at the 2026 Peachtree Village International Film Festival (PVIFF).
As its global audience continues to grow, Dr. Smith is expanding the podcast into its next phase with plans to launch a video podcast, secure additional media coverage, and bring live podcast events and filmmaker education shows across the United States.
Produced by Dr. Smith, CEO and Founder of The Film Festival Doctor, the podcast fills a unique gap in the industry. While many film-related podcasts feature filmmaker interviews or festival coverage, The Film Festival Doctor Podcast is dedicated exclusively to helping emerging and established filmmakers understand the complex world of film festival strategy. Rebekah speaks candidly and in-depth with film festival programmers exploring how they curate their festivals and what types of film they are looking for. Since the conclusion of the Film Festival Secrets Podcast in 2017, few platforms have focused solely on educating filmmakers about festival submissions, positioning, and long-term success.
“I created this podcast because filmmakers deserve practical, honest guidance that can genuinely change the trajectory of their careers,” says Dr. Smith. “Film festivals can open incredible doors when approached strategically, and I also believe it’s essential that filmmakers protect their mental wellbeing throughout that journey.”
Founded in the United Kingdom in 2011, The Film Festival Doctor has become one of the world’s leading film festival strategy consultancies. Dr. Smith and her team have supported more than 850 filmmakers worldwide, helping clients earn over 3,000 film festival awards while contributing to four Oscar success stories.
A respected thought leader, Dr. Smith is also pioneering conversations around film festivals and mental health, encouraging filmmakers to pursue professional success while maintaining their wellbeing throughout the demanding festival circuit.
Before launching her consultancy, Dr. Smith began her film industry career in 2009 as part of the production team behind Wales’ acclaimed Abertoir Horror Festival, where she developed the expertise that inspired her to create an innovative film festival strategy business.
She is also the author of Born to Do It: Becoming the Leader of a Business Niche Using Powerful Spiritual Techniques, sharing the entrepreneurial principles that helped build her internationally respected company.
Dr. Smith’s work has been featured by Forbes, Variety, Good Housekeeping, Screen Daily, Parade, The Ladders, The Sun, and The Mirror, reflecting her growing influence as an authority on film festival strategy and creative entrepreneurship.
Based in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Smith continues to help filmmakers around the world navigate the festival circuit while building sustainable, successful careers.
As The Film Festival Doctor Podcast continues its rapid growth, Dr. Smith welcomes opportunities for media interviews, speaking engagements, podcast appearances, strategic partnerships, and live events throughout the United States.
About Dr. Rebekah Louisa Smith
Dr. Rebekah Louisa Smith is an award-winning film festival strategist, author, speaker, and Founder and CEO of The Film Festival Doctor. Since 2011, she has helped filmmakers worldwide secure more than 3,000 festival awards, contributed to four Oscar success stories, and supported over 850 creatives in achieving international recognition. Through her consultancy, speaking engagements, and The Film Festival Doctor Podcast, she continues to educate and inspire filmmakers across the global film industry.
Media ContactCompany Name: The Film Festival DoctorContact Person: Dr. Rebekah Louisa SmithEmail: Send EmailCity: DallasCountry: United StatesWebsite: https://www.thefilmfestivaldoctor.com/
