Films tug at our heart strings because, in one way or the other, we often relate to the experiences of the characters or we find ourselves moved by the quality of a soundtrack evoking emotions in us. Films are so much more than just moving pictures. There is a rigorous thought process involved and many hands are needed to put a film together.
Here is a look at some of the Film Festivals that have caught the eyes and ears of many film critics and movie lovers around the world.
1. Tobago Jazz Film Festival, Trinidad and Tobago
The Tobago Jazz and Film Festival celebrates music through film. Films showcased at the festival are from Trinidad, Tobago and around the Carribean. The main purpose of the festival is to facilitate the growth of the Carribean cinema. You can attend next year’s festival here.
Music plays a large role in the films we watch. Image from the Tobago Jazz Film Festival
2. Mardi Gras Film Festival–Sydney, Australia
The Mardi Gras Film Festival has been in Sydney Australia since 1978. It has been called one of the top five Film Festivals in the world. The annual festival focuses on LGBT films and filmmakers, by promoting gay and lesbian titles. Next year, the festival will be heading for its 24th year. Read more about the festival here.
The Mardi Gras Festival takes place every year in Sydney, Australia. Image from the Mardi Gras Film Festival
3. Youngcuts People’s Film Festival, Canada
This film festival was founded in 2001 and showcases young film talent from Canada with film-makers ranging from 29 years old and younger. The festival is a good way to give the youngsters in the film industry a bit of exposure and to advance their film careers. See more about the festival here.
4. Tribeca Film Festival, New York
The Tribeca Film Festival was founded in 2002 after the tragic event of 9/11. The film festival was started by actors Robert DiNero, Craig Hatkoff and Jane Rosenthal. The main purpose of the festival was to promote cultural and economic revival for lower Manhattan, after the 9/11 incident. The films showcased at the event are buzz worthy foreign films, documentaries and short films. Tickets for next year’s festival can be purchased here.
5. Zanzibar International Film Festival, Tanzania
While the Zanzibar Film Festival may be over for 2017, the film festival is a wonderful platform to grow the film industry in Africa. This year’s theme was Finding Joy. The film festival has been running for 20 years and it is dedicated to films, music and the arts. See what you can look forward to next year here.
The growth of film education is one of the main highlights for the event. Image from Zanzibar Film Festival
6. Montreal Film Festival, Canada
Canada’s oldest International Film Festival takes place late in August until early September. The Montreal Film Festival dates back to 1977. The festival aims to bridge the gap with a larger diversity of films from all over the world and encourage the cultural diversity and understanding between nations. Read more about the festival here.
7. Britan Film Institute London Film Festival, London
The Britan Film Institute (BFI) London Film Festival runs in October annually. Going on to its 61st year this year, movie lovers can expect on stage interviews, music inspired films, short films. They will get to learn about the people who work and create distinctive films within contemporary cinema. See how you can attend the BFI London Film Festival here.
8. Cannes International Film Festival, Cannes
The main purpose of the Cannes International Film Festival is to promote the development of the film industry. The Cannes are important on a global scale and have a long history behind them. This year, the film festival celebrated 70 years. A team of researchers go around the world every year to uncover promising directors. Read more about the Cannes here
The Cannes International Film Festival was founded in 1946. Image from Cannes International Film Festival
9. Moscow International Film Festival, Moscow
The Moscow International Film Festival is one of the oldest film festivals dating back to 1935, but becoming regular in 1959. The festival includes films that haven’t been introduced to public screens. The aim of the festival is to promote a cultural exchange and the growth and collaboration among filmmakers around the world. This year, the festival was held for the 39th year. See more about the festival here.
10. Audi Dublin International Film Festival, Dublin
Every year in February, the Dublin International Film Festival takes place in Dublin. This year was its 16th year running. The festival showcases new international cinematography and also focuses on screen writing. Visit here to find out about the festival.
Submissions for the 2018 Audi Dublin International Film Festival are now open. Image from Audi Dublin International Film Festival
11. International Film Festival Rotterdam, Rotterdam
The International Film Festival in Rotterdam was found in 1972. Since then, the event has been held annually. The festival supports independent film makers. If you are a fan of fiction, media art, short films and documentary feature films, then this festival could be for you! See more here on what to expect at next year’s festival.
The cosmopolitan city of Rotterdam has a unique ambience, making the port the suitable host for the International Film Festival. Image by Erik Zachte
12. Durban International Film Festival, Durban
The city of Durban in Kwa-Zulu Natal has hosted the Durban Internationa Film Festival since 1979. It has become one of Southern Africa’s largest festivals. The Wavescape Surf Film Festival was launched from the Durban International Film Festival. The festival hosts workshops, industry forums and township screenings to introduce community members who may not be familiar with films to the industry. See what the Durban International Film Festival offers here.
13. Cairo International World Film Festival, Cairo
Going back to 1976, the Cairo International World Film Festival takes place annually. This year, the film festival will be hosted in November. The festival focuses on encouraging intercultural dialogue, making a viable contribution to the art, science and the film industry and encourages supporting Egypt’s local films. Read more about the festival here.
14. Rwanda International Film Festival, Kigali
There is much more happening in Rwanda gorilla-trekking and the Rwanda International Film Festival is proof of this. Founded in 2005 this annual festival will take place this September. The event has gained worldwide recognition of the past 12 years of its existence. The Rwanda International Film Festival is known as Hillywood. The festival promotes and encourages awareness and understanding of art cinema in Rwanda. You can still catch the festival, find out how here.
If you have attended any of these festivals, comment below and share your experience with us. We would love to hear from you.
This article, A look at 14 film festivals around the world, was originally posted on the Getaway Blog by Ondela Mlandu.