| Name |
Est. |
City |
Country |
Type |
Notes |
| Asia Pacific Film Festival |
1954 |
Rotating |
Regionwide |
Regional |
First held in Tokyo, the annual festival is hosted by a country designated by the Board of Directors of the Federation of Motion Picture Producers in Asia-Pacific. |
| Asian Festival of First Films |
2005 |
Singapore |
Singapore |
Special interest |
An annual film and documentary festival devoted to the works of first-time filmmakers. |
| Asian Lesbian Film and Video Festival |
2005 |
|
Regional |
Special interest |
First held in Taipei, it toured to Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Beijing, and is scheduled to be held annually in different Asian countries. |
| Bangkok International Film Festival |
2003 |
Bangkok |
Thailand |
International |
Organized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, a government agency. |
| Bring Your Own Film Festival |
2004 |
Puri |
India |
Special interest |
|
| Changchun Film Festival |
1992 |
Changchun |
China |
International, regional |
Held biennially. |
| Cinemanila International Film Festival |
1999 |
Manila |
Philippines |
International |
Founded by Filipino maverick filmmaker Tikoy Aguiluz it is held annually. |
| Cochin International Film Festival |
2004 |
Kochi |
India |
International |
|
| CON-CAN Movie Festival |
2005 |
Tokyo |
Japan |
International |
Annual movie festival that showcases content from around the globe. The first borderless movie festival, CON-CAN has been presenting 20 selected movies a month on its website where viewers can watch for free and "Choose the World's Best Short Movie" for the Audience Award. |
| Didor International Film Festival |
2004 |
Dushanbe |
Tajikistan |
International |
|
| Dubai International Film Festival |
2004 |
Dubai |
United Arab Emirates |
International |
|
| Eilat International Film Festival |
2003 |
Eilat |
Israel |
International |
Founded by lead Israeli Publicist Chen Sadan Shelach -held annually. |
| Fajr International Film Festival |
1982 |
Tehran |
Iran |
International |
Under supervision of Iran Ministry of Culture in, it takes place every February in on the anniversary of the Iranian Revolution. |
| FulMarxx Shorts Fest |
2007 |
Ahmedabad |
India |
Special interest |
India's largest short film festival. |
| Golden Horse Film Festival and Awards |
1962 |
Taipei |
Taiwan |
Regional |
The annual month-long festival featuring Chinese-language and Asian films culminates in a prestigious awards ceremony. |
| Haifa International Film Festival |
1983 |
Haifa |
Israel |
International |
Israel's first film festival, it is held each year during the holiday of Sukkot on the ridge of Mount Carmel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. |
| Hiroshima International Animation Festival |
1985 |
Hiroshima |
Japan |
International |
ASIFA |
| Hong Kong International Film Festival |
1977 |
Hong Kong |
|
International |
|
| Hyderabad International Film Festival |
|
Hyderabad |
|
|
|
| Indonesian Film Festival |
1955 |
Jakarta |
Indonesia |
National |
Held intermittently, its purpose is to exhibit nominees for the Citra Award, the national film industry award. |
| International Film Festival of India |
1952 |
Goa |
India |
International |
Film festival organised by the Directorate of Film Festivals and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The first IFFI was held in 1952, and since 1975 it has become an annual event. |
| International Film Festival of Kerala |
1996 |
Thiruvananthapuram |
India |
International, Regional |
Held annually in November or December. Competition program is restricted to films produced in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. |
| Jakarta International Film Festival |
1998 |
Jakarta |
Indonesia |
International |
|
| Jeonju International Film Festival |
2000 |
Jeonju |
South Korea |
International |
Focuses on digital, independent, and art films. |
| Jerusalem Film Festival |
1984 |
Jerusalem |
Israel |
International |
Annual festival featuring films from all over the world; awards in numerous categories |
| Kara Film Festival |
2001 |
Karachi |
Pakistan |
International |
|
| Kolkata Film Festival |
1995 |
Kolkata |
India |
International |
International Federation of Film Producers' Associations (Paris) recognised film festival. Normally held in mid November, it shares a permanent place in the international film festival calendar, showcasing films from all over the world. |
| Kuala Lumpur International Film Festival |
2007 |
Kuala Lumpur |
Malaysia |
International |
Successor to the Kuala Lumpur World Film Festival. |
| Metro Manila Film Festival |
1975 |
Manila |
Philippines |
National |
Held annually in December and January, the focus is on Filipino films. |
| Mumbai International Film Festival |
1990 |
Mumbai |
India |
International |
Organised by the Indian government's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's Film Division, and focuses on documentary, short, and animation films. |
| Osian's Cinefan Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema |
1999 |
New Delhi |
India |
|
|
| Patna Film Festival |
2006 |
Patna |
India |
International |
Jointly organised by of Union ministry of information and broadcasting, National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), directorate of film festival, National Film Archives of India, Federation of Film Society of India, and the state government. |
| Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival |
1997 |
Bucheon |
South Korea |
International |
Held annually in July, the festival, also known as PiFan, focuses on Asian and international horror, thriller, mystery, and fantasy films. |
| Pune International Film Festival |
2002 |
Pune |
India |
International |
Held annually in a city that is home to the renowned Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and the National Film Archive of India, the festival was launched in pursuit of bringing the “best in celluloid” to the audiences of Pune in 2002 with it’s first truly “International Film Festival". |
| Pusan International Film Festival |
1996 |
Busan |
South Korea |
International |
One of the largest film festivals in Asia.[1] |
| Pyongyang International Film Festival |
1987 |
Pyongyang |
North Korea |
International |
Biennial |
| Shanghai International Film Festival |
1993 |
Shanghai |
China |
International |
Mainland China's largest film festival. |
| Singapore International Film Festival |
1987 |
Singapore |
Singapore |
International |
Held annual around April or May. |
| Thai Short Film and Video Festival |
1997 |
Bangkok |
Thailand |
Special interest |
Annual showcase and competition of short films, primarily by Thai independent filmmakers. |
| Tokyo Filmex |
2000 |
Tokyo |
Japan |
International |
Organized annually by Office Kitano, Takeshi Kitano's film company. |
| Tokyo International Film Festival |
1985 |
Tokyo |
Japan |
International |
|
| Underneath the Radar Documentary Festival |
2006 |
Singapore |
Singapore |
Special interest |
Screens independent documentaries on social, economic, and environmental issues. |
| ViBGYOR International Short and Documentary Film Festival |
2006 |
Thrissur |
India |
Special interest |
Annual focus on short films and documentaries on issues and people's movements with an activist outlook. |
| World Film Festival of Bangkok |
2003 |
Bangkok |
Thailand |
International |
Organized by Nation Multimedia Group. |
| Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival |
1989 |
Yamagata |
Japan |
Special interest |
|
| Name |
Est. |
City |
Country |
Type |
Notes |
| Africa in Motion |
2006 |
Edinburgh |
Scotland |
African cinema |
Held annually in Edinburgh, Africa in Motion is the biggest African film festival in the UK |
| Amsterdam Film eXperience |
2006 |
Amsterdam |
Netherlands |
International |
New Media, cross-over, animation, interaction, experimental, installations. |
| Belgrade International Film Festival |
1971 |
Belgrade |
Serbia |
International |
Also called "FEST", the festival is held annually in February or March. |
| Berlin International Film Festival |
1951 |
Berlin |
Germany |
International |
Also called the "Berlinale", the festival is held annually in February. |
| Biberach Independent Film Festival |
2004 |
Biberach an der Riß |
Germany |
Mostly German |
Also called B.I.F.F., the festival is held most every year in October/November. |
| Bloomsbury Park Film Festival |
2007 |
London |
England |
International |
Annually at the University of Westminster.
http://bloomsburyparkfilmfestival.mosaicglobe.com
|
| British Urban Film Festival |
2005 |
London |
United Kingdom |
Independent film |
Also called BUFF, the festival is held every year around September. |
| Brussels International Festival of Fantasy Film |
1983 |
Brussels |
Belgium |
Special interest |
Annual venue for horror, thriller, and science fiction films. |
| Cannes Film Festival |
1939 |
Cannes |
France |
International |
One of the world's oldest, most influential, and prestigious festivals, it is held annually (usually in May) at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. |
| Copenhagen International Film Festival |
2003 |
Copenhagen |
Denmark |
International |
Held annually in September. |
| Cyprus International Film Festival |
2006 |
Nicosia |
Cyprus |
International |
|
| Cyprus International Short Film Festival |
2008 |
Nicosia |
Cyprus |
International |
|
| Edinburgh International Film Festival |
1947 |
Edinburgh |
Scotland |
International |
The longest continuously running film festival, it is part of the Edinburgh International Festival, which takes place annually in August. |
| Falstaff International Film Festival |
2009 |
Stratford-upon-Avon |
England |
International |
Held annually in November, with a selected program and awards. |
| Festróia - Tróia International Film Festival |
1985 |
Setúbal |
Portugal |
Special interest |
Held annually in June, the competition section is open to films from countries that produce fewer than 30 films per year. |
| Film Festival ContraVision |
1992 |
Berlin |
Germany |
Special interest |
Annual independent film festival held at the Cinema "Blow Up". |
| Fresh Film Festival |
2004 |
Karlovy Vary |
Czech Republic |
International |
Student film, feature, documentary, animation, experimental. |
| Giffoni Film Festival |
1971 |
Giffoni Valle Piana |
Italy |
International |
One of the largest film festivals for kids, held annually in July, with short films and features from around the world. |
| Gijón International Film Festival |
1963 |
Gijón |
Spain |
International |
|
| Golden Beggar |
1995 |
Košice |
Slovakia |
International |
Annual festival and awards for local television programs |
| International Eurasia Film Festival |
2005 |
Antalya |
Turkey |
International |
Held annually in autumn |
| International Film Festival Rotterdam |
1972 |
Rotterdam |
Netherlands |
International |
Held annually in January or February. |
| International Thessaloniki Film Festival |
1992 |
Thessaloniki |
Greece |
International |
Held annually in November |
| Istanbul International Film Festival |
1982 |
Istanbul |
Turkey |
International |
Held annually around the end of April. |
| Jameson Dublin International Film Festival |
2002 |
Dublin |
Ireland |
International |
Succeeded Dublin Film Festival, which ran from 1985 to 2001. Held annually in February or March. |
| Karlovy Vary International Film Festival |
1946 |
Karlovy Vary |
Czech Republic |
International |
|
| Locarno International Film Festival |
1946 |
Locarno |
Switzerland |
International |
Held annually in August. |
| London Film Festival |
1956 |
London |
England |
International |
Held annually by the British Film Institute and sponsored by The Times newspaper. |
| Moscow International Film Festival |
1935 |
Moscow |
Russia |
International |
First held in 1935, from 1959 to 1995 it was held every second year in July, and since 1995 has been held annually. |
| Norwegian International Film Festival |
1973 |
Haugesund |
Norway |
International |
Held annually in August. |
| Raindance Film Festival |
1993 |
London |
England |
Special interest |
A festival for independent films, the festival is also the founder of the British Independent Film Awards. |
| San Sebastián International Film Festival |
1953 |
San Sebastián |
Spain |
International |
Supervised by the FIAPF, the annual A category festival is one of the most important for Spanish-language cinema. |
| Sarajevo Film Festival |
1995 |
Sarajevo |
Bosnia and Herzegovina |
International |
Held annually in August. |
| Spectre Film Festival |
2005 |
Strasbourg |
France |
European |
Held annually in September. |
| Short to the point |
2009 |
Bucharest |
Romania |
International |
Held annually in June. |
| Stockholm International Film Festival |
1990 |
Stockholm |
Sweden |
International |
Held annually in November. |
| Three Continents Festival |
1979 |
Nantes |
France |
Special interest |
Annual festival is devoted to the cinemas of Asia, and Africa and Latin America. |
| Transilvania International Film Festival |
2001 |
Cluj-Napoca |
Romania |
International |
Held annually in June. |
| Venice Film Festival |
1932 |
Venice |
Italy |
International |
The world's oldest film festival, it is held annually in late August or early September on the island of the Lido. |
| Viennale |
1960 |
Vienna |
Austria |
International |
Held annually in October. |
| Name |
Est. |
City |
State/Prov. |
Type |
Notes |
| Ann Arbor Film Festival |
1961 |
Ann Arbor |
Michigan |
International |
Longest-running film festival showcasing experimental and independent film in North America. Held annually in late March. |
| Bahamas International Film Festival |
2004 |
Paradise Island |
The Bahamas |
International |
|
| Calgary International Film Festival |
2000 |
Calgary |
Alberta |
International |
Held annually for 10 days in late September or early October. |
| Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival |
2001 |
Cedar Rapids |
Iowa |
Regional accepting international entries |
Held annually the first full non-Easter weekend in April. |
| Chicago International Children's Film Festival |
1983 |
Chicago |
Illinois |
International |
Largest fest of films for kids & youth in North America programming over 200 films from 40 countries annually. Held annually in late October for 10 days. |
| Chicago International Film Festival |
1965 |
Chicago |
Illinois |
International |
Held annually in October. |
| Cleveland International Film Festival |
1977 |
Cleveland |
Ohio |
International |
|
| Columbus International Film & Video Festival |
1953 |
Columbus |
Ohio |
International |
North America's oldest film festival, held annually in November. As a competition festival, it is also known as The Chris Awards. |
| Denver Film Festival |
1978 |
Denver |
Colorado |
International |
Held annually in November. |
| Disposable Film Festival |
2007 |
San Francisco |
California |
International |
Held annually in January. |
| Edmonton International Film Festival |
1986 |
Edmonton |
Alberta |
International |
|
| Expresión en Corto International Film Festival |
1997 |
San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato |
Guanajuato |
International |
Mexico's largest competitive film festival. |
| Fantasia Festival |
1996 |
Montreal |
Quebec |
Special interest |
Devoted to fantasy, horror, martial arts, and science fiction genres. |
| Festival du Nouveau Cinéma |
1971 |
Montreal |
Quebec |
International |
|
| Florida Film Festival |
1992 |
Maitland |
Florida |
International |
The Festival includes narrative and documentary features and shorts, animation, midnight movies, and a full array of educational forums, glamorous parties, and other special events. |
| Gotham Screen Film Festival & Screenplay Contest |
2007 |
New York City |
New York |
International |
Showcase of new American and international cinema, with a competitive screenplay contest |
| Guadalajara International Film Festival |
1988 |
Guadalajara |
Jalisco |
International |
|
| Hamptons International Film Festival |
1993 |
East Hampton |
New York |
International |
|
| Havana Film Festival |
1979 |
Havana |
Cuba |
Regional |
Held annually, focuses on Latin American films. |
| Hawaii International Film Festival |
1981 |
Honolulu |
Hawaii |
International |
Held annually in the fall for two weeks. |
| Heartland Film Festival |
1991 |
Indianapolis |
Indiana |
International |
Held annually, its purpose is to recognize and honor filmmakers whose work explores the human journey by artistically expressing hope and respect for the positive values of life. $200,000 is awarded to independent filmmakers each year. |
| Hollywood East Film Festival |
2008 |
Brookfield |
Connecticut |
International |
With the growth of the film industry in the Northeast / New England, we wanted to provide fellow independent film makers in the region and beyond with a venue to display their creative work and share their creative ideas. |
| Hollywood Film Festival |
1997 |
Los Angeles |
California |
International |
Held annually, its purpose
is to make a connection between established Hollywood studios, independent filmmakers, and the global creative community, as well as to honor excellence in the art of filmmaking.
|
| Indianapolis International Film Festival |
2004 |
Indianapolis |
Indiana |
International |
|
| Ivy Film Festival |
2001 |
Providence |
Rhode Island |
Student |
|
| Jacksonville Film Festival |
2003 |
Jacksonville |
Florida |
International |
Held annually for 4 days in mid-May. |
| Magnolia Independent Film Festival |
1997 |
Starkville |
Mississippi |
International and Regional |
Mississippi's first and oldest independent film festival. Held annually in February for one weekend. Short films, experimental films, and many special events in which filmmakers participate. |
| Marfa Film Festival |
2008 |
Marfa |
Texas |
Regional |
Born out of reception of There Will Be Blood and No Country for Old Men, both of which were filmed in the area |
| Mill Valley Film Festival |
1978 |
Mill Valley |
California |
International |
Takes place each October, hosted by California Film Institute. |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival |
1983 |
Minneapolis-St. Paul |
Minnesota |
International |
Held annually in the spring. |
| Mods & Rockers Film Festival |
1999 |
Los Angeles |
California |
Special interest |
Celebration of rock music culture films. |
| Montreal World Film Festival |
1977 |
Montreal |
Quebec |
International |
|
| New Jersey Independent South Asian Cine Fest |
2007 |
New Brunswick |
New Jersey |
International |
Only film festival in tri-state area dedicated to South Asian independent films. Features North American premieres and a select list of fresh and brilliant independent films by debut as well as established South Asian filmmakers or films on South Asian themes from all over the world |
| New York Asian Film Festival |
2002 |
New York City |
New York |
Special interest |
Features North American premieres and classic titles from Asian cinemas, especially horror, action, and martial arts genres. |
| New York Film Festival |
1962 |
New York City |
New York |
International |
One of North America's oldest film festivals. |
| New York International Children's Film Festival |
1997 |
New York City |
New York |
International |
One of the largest film festivals for kids in North America, held annually from late-February to mid-March, with short films and features from around the world. |
| Newport Beach Film Festival |
1999 |
Newport Beach |
California |
International |
Founded in 1999, the Newport Beach Film Festival has evolved into a prestigious multicultural event, attracting over 40,000 attendees to Orange County. |
| North Shore Short Film Festival |
2006 |
Ventura, California |
California |
International |
Shorts |
|
| Palm Springs International Film Festival |
1989 |
Palm Springs |
California |
International |
|
| Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival |
2008 |
Philadelphia |
Pennsylvania |
Special Interest |
|
| Rhode Island International Film Festival |
1997 |
Providence |
Rhode Island |
International |
Held annually for 6 days during the second week of August |
| RiverRun International Film Festival |
1998 |
Winston-Salem |
North Carolina |
International |
Held annually each Spring, devoted to the role of cinema as a conduit of powerful ideas and diverse viewpoints. |
| Roger Ebert's Overlooked Film Festival |
1997 |
Champaign |
Illinois |
Special interest |
Founded by film critic Roger Ebert. |
| San Antonio Film Festival |
1994 |
San Antonio |
Texas |
International |
Held annually in the month of June. Awards a low-rider bike as the grand prize. |
| San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival |
1982 |
San Francisco |
California |
Special interest |
Dedicated to Asian and Asian American films. |
| San Francisco International Film Festival |
1957 |
San Francisco |
California |
International |
|
| Santa Barbara International Film Festival |
1985 |
Santa Barbara |
California |
International |
|
| Seattle International Film Festival |
1985 |
Seattle |
Washington |
International |
One of the largest film festivals in the United States. |
| Sonoma Valley Film Festival |
1996 |
Sonoma |
California |
International |
Set in the heart of California wine country, one of the most prestigious of the smaller "destination" film festivals in the United States. |
| South by Southwest |
1987 |
Austin |
Texas |
Special interest |
SXSW Film was added to the annual music festival in 1994, focusing on new directing talent. |
| Sundance Film Festival |
1978 |
Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden, Sundance |
Utah |
International |
Held annually in January, Sundance is the largest independent film festival in the United States. |
| Syracuse International Film Festival |
2003 |
Syracuse |
New York |
International |
Competitive international film festival which accepts independent short and feature submissions from all over the world and provides filmmakers access to industry leading professionals and celebrities. |
| Tallgrass Film Festival |
2003 |
Wichita |
Kansas |
International |
This four day festival, held in October, accepts independent short and feature submissions from all over the world. |
| Tampa International Film Festival |
2003 |
Tampa |
Florida |
International |
|
| Telluride Film Festival |
1974 |
Telluride |
Colorado |
International |
Considered to be one of the best and most influential film festivals in the world, it is also one of the most exclusive and expensive film festivals out there. |
| The Shortie Awards |
2001 |
Washington |
DC |
International |
Recognizes original digital media productions created by student filmmakers, ages 7–18, and their teachers. |
| Toronto After Dark Film Festival |
2006 |
Toronto |
Ontario |
Special interest |
Annual showcase of horror, sci-fi, action, and cult cinema from around the world. |
| Toronto International Film Festival |
1976 |
Toronto |
Ontario |
International |
The world's largest film festival open to the general public, it is held annually in September. |
| Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival |
1997 |
Toronto |
Ontario |
Special Interest |
|
| Traverse City Film Festival |
2005 |
Traverse City |
Michigan |
International |
Annual festival co-founded by filmmaker Michael Moore. |
| Tribeca Film Festival |
2002 |
New York City |
New York |
International |
Founded by Jane Rosenthal and Robert De Niro. |
| Vancouver Asian Film Festival |
1995 |
Vancouver |
British Columbia |
International |
Largest Asian film festival in Western Canada. Held annually for 4–5 days in November. |
| Vancouver International Film Festival |
1982 |
Vancouver |
British Columbia |
International |
Held annually for two weeks in late September and early October. |
| Vancouver Queer Film Festival |
1988 |
Vancouver |
British Columbia |
International |
Largest queer film festival in Western Canada. Held annually for eleven days in late August. |
| Waterloo Festival for Animated Cinema |
2001 |
Kitchener-Waterloo |
Ontario |
International |
Only public festival in the world dedicated to feature animation. Held annually in November. |
| WILDsound Film Festival |
2003 |
Toronto |
Ontario |
International |
World's only Monthly Feedback Film Festival; held at the National Film Board of Canada three days each month. |
| WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival |
1961 |
Houston |
Texas |
Special interest |
Dedicated to the independent features and short films. |
| Zero Film Festival |
2008 |
Los Angeles |
California |
International |
First festival exclusive to self-financed filmmakers, held annually in December.
[2]
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