In this travel blog, see amazing film festivals worth travelling for.
#12 Festival de Cannes (France)
For an ultimate movie buff, there’s only one grand film festival that is the most splendid and prestigious annual event. The Festival de Cannes, popularly known as The Cannes Film Festival in France is the most spectacular, most awaited, and the biggest event in the film industry. It has star- studded guests, prominent celebrities, and striking trends in cinema and fashion. Aside from being filled with iconic and legendary stars from across the world, the festival has been a prime showcase of incredible masterpieces in the world of cinema for several decades. Consider visiting this place in mid-May, as from then, the Festival de Cannes typically runs for a week and half.
#11 Busan International Film Festival (South Korea)
You might want to add South Korea to your list, as aside from the marvelous destinations you can find in this country, their film industry is truly astonishing. If you are an avid fan of movies and dream to someday produce or create one on your own, this majestic nation especially has something to offer. The Busan International Film Festival that is held every year in Busan is one of the most important film fests in all of Asia. The Korean government puts their full support into their media industry, specifically in film. Their content is masterful and they have great quality films, movies, and shows. Right after this festival was established in 1996, BIFF started continuously introducing and supporting new promising Asian directors alongside their films.
#10 Whistler Film Festival (Canada)
Year-ender events are an exciting moment to look forward to as you can expect a lot of interesting and surprising themes that are truly captivating. Widely known as the “coolest” film festival not only in Canada but also around the globe, Whistler Film Festival proudly features the “best” in the world of independent cinema. It awarded almost $150,000 worth of prizes last year. The festival runs for over five days, during which the film occasion has been continuously featuring true talents and unforgettable tributes that leave a strong impression on people. The Whistler Film Festival was able to create a track record for showcasing newly produced films and incredible filmmakers. With this, WFF has made its way to be recognized as a phenomenal “filmmakers festival”.
#9 St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival (Newfoundland and Labrador)
This prestigious festival mainly showcases the creative and masterpiece works of women on-screen. St. John’s International Women’s Film Festival in Newfoundland and Labrador has been recognized as one of the longest-running women’s film festivals in the world. This exciting event has been gaining respect both nationally and internationally. Last year, it celebrated its 30th Annual Festival that ran for a week and showed remarkable, powerful, and creative documentaries as well as magnificent short films and other works of art.
#8 Tribeca Film Festival (New York)
Honoring the historical event, this iconic film festival founded by Robert De Niro aims to regenerate the main city’s Tribeca neighborhood that was affected by the 911 attacks. The Tribeca Film Festival celebrates the best of international film and the best of New York. It features the phenomenal chance to witness and be a part of the premiere screening of famous and blockbuster films. You might even have the opportunity to spot your favorite celebrity among the attendees. This fantastic film fest typically happens around mid April.
#7 Melbourne International Film Festival (Australia)
This film festival is a prestigious celebration where remarkable world class masterpieces of short films, feature films, and documentaries are exhibited. The Melbourne International Film Festival or MIFF in Australia is usually held at Melbourne’s Regent Theater and is one of the most significant events in the country. This festival doesn’t only accommodate adults, the entire event is open for children as well! You can watch animated films at a discounted price for children.
#6 International Film Festival Rotterdam (Netherlands)
If you want to be part of one of the largest audiences and be in a festival where you can feel the exciting vibe as a movie fanatic, then check out this glorious international movie event in the Netherlands. Attending this classy festival will give you the chance to explore more of the interesting innovative filmmaking of talented newbies as well as veteran auteurs. You can also have the opportunity to witness the presentation of cutting edge media art. In 2017, the International Film Festival Rotterdam recorded a magnificent number of attendees with an astonishing count of 300,000 admissions and over 2,000 film experts! It has been included in the list of the most crowded film events in the world.
#5 South by Southwest Film Festival (Texas)
Have fun by learning more of the culture and engaging in an epic event where you might make new friends and learn more of the exciting things about the destination you are in. Try to plan your trip around March for this mega festival in Texas. South by Southwest, famously known as SXSW Film Festival, is an event where you can witness the astounding merge of technology, music, and film events of the year. This is an event that shouldn’t be missed for it can match to your interest, whatever it may be! Every year this festival has a new theme, so you have a reason to come back every year.
#4 Sundance Film Festival (Utah)
Popularly known to be the top American Independent Film Festival and highly recognized as one of the world’s largest movie events, this impressive occasion has celebrated its 35th year. The Sundance Film Festival showcases the most stunning innovative American and international filmmakers. The talent of these prominent people is the main point of this event. Attending it is a must, especially for fans of independent films as they can get the chance to watch some of the creative shows. If you want to attend this fascinating film fest, check out their schedule every end of January and also be sure to learn about the previous happenings of this event so you can get an idea of the celebrities you might meet.
#3 Toronto International Film Festival (Toronto)
Since 1976, this prestigious festival in the film industry has been highly recognized and honored as one of the world’s most well-known launching pads for the best of the best in international, Hollywood, and Canadian cinema. The Toronto Film Festival or TIFF is another big event to look forward to every year when the month of September comes. This festival is open to everyone and has a lot of film screenings and relevant activities where the public can engage themselves. TIFF typically begins the first Monday of September in Canada after Labor Day, and it usually runs for over 11 days.
#2 Venice Film Festival (Italy)
This is one of the oldest film festivals and it is greatly admired. This honorable event is not just a movie event, it’s something meaningful and is worth looking forward to. Venice Film Festival in Italy has the wonderful goal of advocacy to “raise awareness and promote the various aspects of international cinema in all its forms.” It is also to give respect and honor to the prominent and veteran figures in the industry for their remarkable and legendary contributions to film. One of the most memorable highlights in the history of this festival was when Jennifer Lawrence earned the Marcello Mastroianni Award in 2008. This event has been one of the most attended film festivals around the world. If you want to go, be sure to schedule your trip in September.
#1 Berlinale International Film Festival (Germany)
This is the most prestigious, exceptional, and top-rated film festival in the world. The Berlinale International Film Festival has been in the spotlight ever since 1951, and this legendary moment has been a historical mark from the onset of the Cold War. This iconic festival in Germany is able to show hundreds of stunning films every year, and it is dubbed as the world’s largest public festival. You can catch your favorite films and get the chance to spot a celebrity. Be sure you can free up the last ten days in the month of February, so you will be able to fully enjoy the entire fest.
Thanks for reading, Revellers! Attending film festivals can give you a greater chance of meeting your favorite personalities or celebrities in the entertainment industry. You can also watch great incredible works of art while attending. Which of these superb film festivals would YOU like to make an appearance at? Comment below, we’d love to hear where you’d like to go.
