AudNews has compiled a list of the 15 most prestigious and influential international film festivals in the world. Venice, King Cannes and 13 more make the list. Check them out.
Venice Film Festival: Venice, Italy
This year marks the 71st anniversary of the Venice Film Festival. It is the world’s oldest international film festival and was propagated by Benito Mussolini in order to distribute his political propaganda. Now the renowned film festival aims to “raise awareness and promote the various aspects of international cinema in all its forms: as art, entertainment and as an industry, in a spirit of freedom and dialogue. The Festival also organizes retrospectives and tributes to major figures as a contribution towards a better understanding of the history of cinema.”
Photo courtesy of Solocosesemplici.
King Cannes Film Festival: Cannes, France
The Cannes Film Festival along the French Riviera focuses on the promotion of films that will contribute towards the development of the art of cinema at an international level. The festival celebrates cinema, filmmakers and the film enthusiasts movies are created for.
Photo courtesy of Adventure Sports.
Toronoto International Film Festival: Toronoto, Canada
Beginning on September 4, The Toronto International Film Festival will celebrate 38 years. On the second day of the festival, TIFF will commemorate Bill Murray’s acting career, screening, Stripes, Groundhog Day and Ghostbusters. Bill Murray will appear at the world premier of his latest film, St.Vincent.
Photo courtesy of The Rolling Stones.
Berlinale Film Festival: Berlin, Germany
Set in the cosmopolitan capital of Germany, Berlinale is a cultural event that premieres international films of every genre and length. The festival attracts over 300,000 visitors each year along with industry professionals, journalists and film enthusiasts.
Photo courtesy of Film Culture 360.
Sundance Film Festival: Park City, United States
Established in 1981 by Robert Redford, The Sundance Film Festival is arguably the most important film festival in the United States. Set in the mountains of Utah, the Sundance Institute “has always provided a space for independent artists to explore their stories free from commercial and political pressures” and remains committed to help “discover and develop independent artists and audiences across the globe.”
Photo courtesy of Collider.
Melbourne International Film Festival: Melbourne, Australia
The Melbourne International Film Festival has been running for over 60 years. “MIFF showcases the best in current cinema from around the world as well as retrospectives, tributes and discussion programs.” The festival screens world premieres of local films and showcases international cinema.
Photo courtesy of Ever Guide.
East End Film Festival: London, England
The East End Film Festival is one of the largest film festivals in the UK. Although it is rather new (established in 2000) it still boasts an annual audience of more than 30,000. The festival is committed to emerging filmmakers and showcases “a variety of cross-arts events and industry activities across the festival.
Photo courtesy of Officially London.
Tokyo International Film Festival: Tokyo, Japan
This October The Tokyo International Film Festival will celebrate 27 years. The festival includes international open-air screenings, dubbed showings, celebrity appearances and seminars about the film industry.
Photo courtesy of Zimbio.
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival: Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
The Karlovy Vary Film Festival was established in 1946 and is amongst the world’s oldest film festivals and is known as the most important cinematic event in both Central and Eastern Europe. The Festival “introduces film industry representatives and press from all around the world to the newest local production, and presents new quality films from the rest of the world to Central and Eastern Europe’s own industry and press.”
Photo courtesy of Tyden.
International Film Festival Rotterdam: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
The 44th annual International Film Festival Rotterdam showcases a diverse selection of non-commercial, international films. The festival works toward creating a relationship between the filmmaker and the audience.
Photo courtesy of Chili TV.
Guadalajara Film Festival: Guadalajara, Mexico
The Guadalajra Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals in Latin American and within Spanish speaking countries. The festival showcases films from independent and Mexican filmmakers while hosting an international jury.
Photo courtesy of Buckitdream.
Hong Kong International Film Festival: Hong Kong, China
The Hong Kong International Film Festival Society is dedicated to “the discovery and promotion of creativity in the art and culture of film.” The festival screens films from around the globe and aims to “strengthen global appreciation of Asian and Chinese film culture and to promote inspiring films from around the world, enriching the cultural life of Hong Kong.”
Photo courtesy of Hostmezone.
