The True/False Film Fest transforms downtown Columbia into a sort of fantasy land with hundreds of filmmakers, artists, musicians and participants coming in from across the world. Whether you’re a True/False veteran or a first-timer, it’s a good idea to be prepared. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your True/False experience:

####Do: Check out the schedule beforehand

The festival includes about 50 films, not including shorts, over the course of four days, so pour over the schedule available on the festival’s website. The schedule is a great resource to see all the events going on each day at every location. You can even personalize the schedule by filtering through the event types. Choose the events you want, whether it be only films or concerts, and print out the schedule to keep handy while you’re downtown.

####Don’t: Stick to just films

While documentary films may be the focus of the festival, there are many other events going on to check out. Art lovers can view a range of pieces throughout the festival; sculptures, paintings, video art installations and models are among the many artworks that will be on display. There will also be more than 40 musical acts performing at the festival in all genres ranging from hip-hop to classical. With films, art and music, the festival has something exciting to see for everyone.

####Do: Buy tickets in advance and arrive early to films

To make sure you get into the films you want to see, buy tickets in advance at the Box Office at 1025 E. Walnut St. Tickets are available to purchase up to 30 minutes before each screening. If you plan on seeing many films, you can also buy a pass and reserve tickets online. The festival also has passes for concerts and a new pass available for a full day of screenings on Sunday, which is available starting March 1 at the Box Office.

####Don’t: Stay at one location

It may be tempting to stick to one or two familiar theaters, but the festival has events all over downtown. Walking from venue to venue is a great way to explore Columbia, and you never know who or what you might run into along the way. With artwork and musicians scattered throughout downtown, there’s a good chance you will run into something unexpected that may prove to be an exciting experience.

####Do: Make new friends

Attending the festival is a great way to meet new people with similar interests. Try striking up a conversation with a fellow film attendee if you love or hate a film. It’s also a good opportunity for networking; you can ask a filmmaker what their filming experience was like or an artist what their inspiration was. Either way, True/False will bring thousands of new people from across the country to talk to.

Whether this will be your first or fifth time attending, True/False is something everyone in Columbia should experience. Just make sure you are prepared to make the most of this event.

_Edited by Claire Colby | [email protected]_