I hosted a film festival, many years ago in Brooklyn, I do not remember the fees being charged as “excessive” I did sit through many films that were dreadful; it took a lot of time. Some were great, and those were in the festival. One filmmaker friend of mine still enters as many as he can afford, for him it’s a publicity expense, press that he would never get otherwise. Is it worth it to submit? Depends, certainly the well known festivals are worth it if you get in, but the lesser known ones are worth it if the “awards” mean something to you, and potential distributors/investors.

Film financing and distribution is a bit of a sham in the best of times, having a known festival accept you work does help, but if you only want to impress “investors” ie, someones dentist uncle in the cast, then a list of festivals in east Europe and south America may be just what you need to get the money!