Here are the great things about film festivals:
- Gorgeous red carpet outfits
- Celebrity press runs and meme-able moments
- The opportunity to see films far before their cinema release date – DUH
- Standing ovations (maybe a bit too long – I have sensitive hands)
Obvious. But the less obvious great aspect of film festivals is the opportunity to travel! There are film festivals all over the world – no doubt you’ve heard of a few of them – celebrating all genres and types of films, on all sorts of scales. Travel takes you on a journey, and so does cinema, so what better way to combine these perfect elements of life than to visit some of the best film festivals around the world?
How can I go to film festivals?
Although the coverage you most likely see of film festivals includes red carpet looks and plenty of celebrity interviews, most film festivals have open arms to cinephiles from around the world – meaning you’re invited too!
Getting admission and tickets into film festivals will vary from festival to festival. For some you buy a badge or general admission ticket (a bit like a music festival) which gives you access to everything for the allotted time period, for others you may have to buy separate tickets for each individual screening you’d like to attend.
Your best course of action is to look at the specific festival you’d like to travel to and see what types of tickets and packages they offer.
1. Cannes Film Festival
When is it: Usually around mid-May
Starting off with one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, if you have the opportunity to head to Cannes, take it! Set along the glittering French Riviera, you won’t only be starstruck, but sunstruck too. This is where the cream of the crop gather, and if you manage to experience screenings here, just know you’re probably witnessing Oscar contenders firsthand.
Something to note: Cannes Film Festival has a strict dress code to abide to, so keep that in mind. And also prepare yourself for many standing ovations.
Image source:Zhifei Zhou / unsplash
2. Venice Film Festival
When is it: Usually between August and September
If the Cannes Film Festival is glitzy and classic, the Venice Film Festival is effortlessly stylish and cool. I mean, actors and directors rock up on sleek wooden boats – it doesn’t get more stylish than that! Also known as the Venice Biennale, it’s one of the world’s oldest festivals and one of the ‘Big 5’. If a film makes it here, you know it’s going to be pretty special. Expect Oscar contenders, heavy hitters, emotional indie darlings, and much more. Oh, and, of course, all that Venice beauty.
3. BFI London Film Festival
When is it: Usually in October
If you want to travel to one of the best film festivals in the world, then the BFI London Film Festival is a perfect option! Open to the public over two weeks, you can buy tickets to as many screenings and talks to catch films before their cinema release date, and maybe ask your faves some questions. This is quite a casual festival, held at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall – right by the Thames.
4. SXSW
When is it: Usually in March
SXSW, or South by South West, is a popular and vibrant film festival held in Austin, Texas. On top of showcasing film, the festival also has conferences, interactive media, and music as well – so it’s really got something for everyone. Started in 1987, SXSW has grown in popularity year on year, and it’s definitely one of Austin’s biggest attractions, bringing crowds from all over the world. It’s not just film either, there’s also TV, making this celebration especially unique.
5. Pan African Film & Arts Festival
When is it: Usually in February
Created in 1992 by Hollywood veterans Danny Glover, Ayuko Babu, and the late Ja’net DuBois, the festival is a non-profit dedicated to showcasing Black excellence in film and visual arts from over 40 countries. Also known as PAFF, the Pan African Film & Arts Festival is rich in cultural diversity and offers an incredible breadth of perspective and world view from voices often less represented in Hollywood. It takes place in LA every year.
6. Berlin Film Festival
When is it: Usually in February
Also called the Berlinale, the Berlin Film Festival is held annually in Berlin (figures), and features all your classic screenings and talks, as well as a few extra activities. For example, open-air screenings of old classic films presented at previous festivals which you can enjoy in the warm summer air with cinephiles from all over the world!
The festival was started in 1951 at the beginning of the Cold War as a ‘showcase of the free world’ and today it is widely regarded as an incredibly inclusive and open-minded festival, often showcasing works from artists of all backgrounds. The festival describes itself as “a place of intercultural exchange and a platform for the critical cinematic exploration of social issues.” This is definitely one of the best film festivals to travel to if you want something different.
7. Busan International Film Festival
When is it: Usually in September
South Korea produces no shortage of incredible films, actors, and directors. So, if you’re a cinephile worth their salt, you simply MUST visit the Busan International Film Festival! This is one of the most significant film festivals in Asia, and you’ll be able to see a range of international films you may not see at other events. The festival also offers a film fund for Asian Independent filmmakers, boosting the industry across the continent.
8. International Oceanian Documentary Film Festival
When is it: Usually between January and February
Maybe you’re not a fan of fiction, or maybe you’re looking for something different. This festival (more commonly known as FIFO) is perfect just for that as it is solely for documentary films. But not just any documentaries. The films presented at this festival touch are from members of marginalized communities, touching on fringe and heavy-hitting topics. This festival definitely isn’t for everyone, but if it’s your vibe, you won’t regret travelling to Tahiti for it!
9. TIFF
When is it: Usually in September
TIFF, which stands for Toronto International Film Festival, is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, alongside Cannes and Venice. Held in, you guessed it, Toronto, this festival attracts tourists from every corner, hoping to get a sneak peek at some upcoming cinema darlings. The festival is dedicated to showcasing International talent, but also homegrown projects from Canada – which really ought to be celebrated. Do you know how many movies and TV shows are filmed in Canada?
TIFF’s mission is to “transform the way people see the world through film,” promising many unique screenings which offer perspectives from around the world.
10. Sundance Film Festival
When is it: Usually between January and February
This film festival is one of the largest in the US, and it’s independent too! Organised by the Sundance Institute, this has become a bit of an icon to the local area. Of course, there’s the festival everywhere showcasing new and upcoming films, but they have events year round as well including free summer screenings and smaller programmes during the year. Taking place in Utah, you can enjoy some of the most vast and jaw-dropping scenery in the world, and movies galore too.
11. Tokyo International Film Festival
When is it: Usually between October and November
The Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF as well! Confusing…) is an important event for Japanese cinema, but also for Asian cinema. It was started in 1985 and it’s the only Japanese film festival to be accredited by the International Federation of Film Producers Associations making it very prestigious indeed. Cinephiles can come along and watch movies from Japanese writers, directors, and studios, as well as discover features from all around Asia. There is also plenty of opportunity to meet emerging filmmakers, marking this as a pretty exciting event.
12. The Travelling Film Festival
When is it: Year round, location dependent
The Travelling Film Festival (TFF) is one of Australia’s longest running events that takes place throughout regional Australia, moving around to over 20 locations annually! You can catch feature films, short films, and documentaries during the year in the Northern Territory, Queensland, and New South Wales.
This endeavour was started in 1974 with the purpose of bringing cinema outside of the major cities and to people all over the country, allowing everyone exciting access to the silver screen. On top of screenings, there are also opportunities for attendees to meet and engage with film industry professionals, making this an interactive festival as well!
