Are you a movie lover and want to experience the biggest film festivals? The excitement, the stars, and the chance to see great films are just around the corner. It may feel overwhelming to know where to begin, but you’re not alone.
We’re here to guide you. In this article, we’ll share the 7 top film festivals. Each one is unique in its way. By following this guide, you’ll discover:
- Which festivals are the largest
- What makes each one special
- When and where to go to enjoy the best films
Ready to explore the world of film? Keep reading, and you’ll soon be part of the excitement at some of the best festivals!
Biggest Film Festivals in France
France hosts some of the world’s most important film festivals, focusing on both local and international films. The biggest film festivals in France showcase a variety of genres and artistic styles, celebrating filmmaking and promoting new talent in the industry.
1. Cannes Film Festival
Time & Location: The Cannes Film Festival happens every year in May in Cannes, France. It takes place at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès.
The festival was supposed to start in 1939, but World War II stopped it. It finally began in 1946. In 1951, it moved to spring so it would not compete with the Venice Film Festival, which is held in autumn.
Event Details: The Cannes Film Festival is a famous event where new movies from around the world are shown. It includes documentaries, short films, and feature films. Only guests can attend.
The festival takes place in Cannes, a beautiful city in France. It brings together Hollywood stars, famous directors, journalists, and movie lovers. Some of its most exciting parts are:
- Red carpet events with celebrities
- The Palme d’Or, the festival’s top award
- Special events for filmmakers and producers
- Global media coverage, making it a big event in cinema and fashion
Cannes is one of the top three film festivals in Europe, along with Venice and Berlin. It is also one of the five biggest film festivals in the world, along with Venice, Berlin, Toronto, and Sundance.
Biggest Film Festivals in Italy
Italy is famous for its contributions to cinema, with its biggest film festivals highlighting both Italian and international films. These festivals are an important part of the global film scene and are known for celebrating film as an art form.
2. Venice Film Festival
Time & Location: The Venice Film Festival, also known as the Venice International Film Festival (Italian: Mostra Internazionale d’Arte Cinematografica della Biennale di Venezia), takes place every year in Venice, Italy. It is the oldest film festival in the world.
The festival started in August 1932 and usually happens in late August or early September on Lido Island in Venice. The event is part of the Venice Biennale, a well-known art exhibition started in 1893. The festival was officially recognized in 1951.
Event Details: The Venice Film Festival showcases new films from all around the world, including movies, documentaries, and short films.
The festival was founded by Giuseppe Volpi in 1932. Today, it is one of the most respected film festivals. The main screenings happen at the Palazzo del Cinema on Lido Island. The festival is also famous for its red carpet events, where actors and directors make appearances.
The Golden Lion is the top award given to the best film. While it is the most prestigious prize, other awards are also presented for best actor, best actress, and young talent.
During the festival, Venice becomes a lively place with parties, interviews, and events. There are meetings with filmmakers and actors. The city also hosts many events at night, and beautiful locations like casinos throw large parties.
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Biggest Film Festivals in Germany
Germany’s biggest film festivals display a broad selection of films, from independent projects to big-budget productions. These festivals are important for introducing new filmmakers and promoting global cinema, offering a platform for emerging talent while reflecting German culture.
3. Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale)
Time & Location: The Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) is held every year in Berlin, Germany. It started in 1951 and was first held in June, but since 1978, it has been in February. It is one of Europe’s top three film festivals and one of the top five in the world. Tens of thousands of people attend each year.
Event Details: Around 400 films are shown at various venues across Berlin. About 20 films compete for the Golden Bear and Silver Bears. An international jury decides the winners. Many other awards are given by special juries and groups.
The European Film Market (EFM) is held during the festival, where distributors and producers meet. Berlinale Talents offers lectures and workshops for young filmmakers.
In 1950, Oscar Martay, a U.S. officer, suggested a film festival in West Berlin. The first festival took place in June 1951, with support from the U.S. military. Alfred Bauer was the first director until 1976.
The festival opened with Alfred Hitchcock’s Rebecca on June 6, 1951. It ran until June 17. In the first year, the festival awarded five Golden Bears. Cinderella won one and the audience award. The Golden Bear is the top prize at the festival.
Biggest Film Festivals in the United States
The U.S. hosts some of the largest and most influential film festivals in the world. The biggest film festivals in the United States showcase various genres, from mainstream hits to independent films, and often help shape industry trends and awards.
4. Sundance Film Festival
Time & Location: The Sundance Film Festival takes place every January in Park City, Salt Lake City, and Sundance Resort, Utah. It started in 1978 and is the largest independent film festival in the U.S. In 2023, 423,234 people attended in person or watched online.
Event Details: The Sundance Film Festival showcases new independent films from both American and international filmmakers. It has competitions for drama and documentary films, as well as for short and feature films. There are also other sections like NEXT, New Frontier, Spotlight, Midnight, and more.
Many films shown at Sundance later won Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. The festival gives filmmakers a chance to gain recognition and reach a wider audience.
The festival began as the Utah/US Film Festival and was later renamed the Sundance Film Festival. It was created by Robert Redford and managed by the Sundance Institute. It quickly became a key event for showing independent films.
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Biggest Film Festivals in South Korea
South Korea’s biggest film festivals highlight both local and international films. These festivals have become a significant part of the global film industry, offering a platform for filmmakers and promoting creative storytelling from Korea and beyond.
5. Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)
Time & Location: The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), formerly known as the Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF), is held every year in Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea. The first festival took place from September 13 to 21, 1996. It was the first international film festival in Korea.
Event Details: The BIFF is one of the largest film festivals in Asia. The festival focuses on showing new films and helping first-time directors, especially from Asian countries. It also draws a large crowd of young people and supports the growth of new talent.
In 1999, the Pusan Promotion Plan was created to help new filmmakers find funding. In 2011, the festival moved to its permanent location, the Busan Cinema Center.
Biggest Film Festivals in Switzerland
Switzerland‘s biggest film festivals are known for showing films from many different countries. These festivals offer a space for both local and international filmmakers to present their work and share their stories with global audiences.
6. Locarno Film Festival
Time & Location: The Locarno Film Festival takes place every year in Locarno, Switzerland. It usually happens in August and lasts for ten days.
Event Details: The Locarno Film Festival is a major international event that started in 1946. It is known for showing bold and artistic films. The festival includes many types of films, such as feature films, documentaries, short films, and experimental films.
Over time, it became well-known for showing films from all over the world, including Eastern Europe. Famous directors like Stanley Kubrick, Paul Verhoeven, and Mike Leigh have shown their films at Locarno.
A special part of the festival is the Piazza Grande, an open-air cinema that can hold thousands of people. The Golden Leopard is the top prize, awarded to the best film in the competition.
Other awards include the Leopard of Honor, which celebrates lifetime achievement, and the Prix du Public, given to the film that gets the most votes from the audience.
In 2018, Lili Hinstin became the festival’s Artistic Director. She worked to include more films by female filmmakers and started new projects. Although she left soon after, the festival continues to grow and remains an important place for independent filmmakers.
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Biggest Film Festivals in Canada
Canada’s biggest film festivals highlight both Canadian films and those from other countries. These festivals play a key role in promoting emerging filmmakers and offering diverse perspectives to audiences from around the world.
7. Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
Time & Location: The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) happens every year in early September. It starts the Thursday after Labour Day and lasts for eleven days. In 2024, it was from September 5 to 15. As of 2022, Cameron Bailey is the CEO of TIFF.
Event Details: TIFF is one of the largest and most famous film festivals in the world. It started in 1976 and is based at the TIFF Lightbox in downtown Toronto.
The People’s Choice Award is a major prize at TIFF. It’s based on audience votes and often predicts Oscar winners. Past winners include Slumdog Millionaire and Nomadland. TIFF began in Yorkville, but now it’s in the Toronto Entertainment District. It attracts celebrities and media attention.
In 2010, TIFF opened the TIFF Lightbox. It’s now the main place for TIFF events, but films are still shown in other venues like Scotiabank Theatre. TIFF has grown over the years. It started the TIFF Cinematheque in 1990, the TIFF Kids Festival in 1998, and the Film Circuit in 1994. In May 2024, TIFF announced a film market will open in 2026.
Biggest Film Festivals: A Recap
The biggest film festivals bring movie fans and filmmakers together from all over the world. They celebrate films, stories, and creativity. From the glamorous red carpets at Cannes to the exciting screenings at Sundance, there’s a festival for every movie lover. Whether you’re watching new films or indie favorites, the experience is always thrilling.
These festivals let you discover new talent, enjoy films in amazing locations, and celebrate the art of making movies. Each festival has its special atmosphere, from the stylish vibe in Venice to the energetic crowds at TIFF.
Going to these festivals is a great way to enjoy movies freshly. It’s more than just watching films – it’s about being part of the movie world and celebrating the magic of cinema.