15 of Europe's leading Film Festivals

Europe is home to some of the most prestigious and influential film festivals in the world. Here are the biggest and most important ones:

1. Cannes Film Festival (France)

• Founded: 1946
• When: May
• Notable for: The Palme d'Or, one of the most prestigious film awards in the world. Cannes is known for its exclusive red-carpet premieres, star-studded events, and high-profile international films.

2. Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) (Germany)

• Founded: 1951
• When: February
• Notable for: The Golden Bear award. Berlinale is one of the most open and accessible major festivals, featuring a diverse selection of global cinema.

3. Venice Film Festival (Italy)

• Founded: 1932
• When: Late August – Early September
• Notable for: The Golden Lion award. Venice is the oldest film festival in the world and a key launchpad for films aiming for the Oscars.

4. San Sebastián International Film Festival (Spain)

• Founded: 1953
• When: September
• Notable for: The Golden Shell award. This festival is renowned for its focus on European and Latin American cinema.

5. Locarno Film Festival (Switzerland)

• Founded: 1946
• When: August
• Notable for: The Golden Leopard award. Known for its mix of arthouse and experimental films, with open-air screenings in the stunning Piazza Grande.

6. Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (Czech Republic)

• Founded: 1946
• When: July
• Notable for: The Crystal Globe award. One of the most important festivals in Central and Eastern Europe, with a strong focus on emerging filmmakers.

7. BFI London Film Festival (United Kingdom)

• Founded: 1957
• When: October
• Notable for: A prestigious platform for British and international films, without a major competition but highly regarded in the industry.

8. Rotterdam International Film Festival (Netherlands)

• Founded: 1972
• When: January – February
• Notable for: A focus on experimental and independent cinema, with the Tiger Award for emerging filmmakers.

9. Sitges Film Festival (Spain)

• Founded: 1968
• When: October
• Notable for: The premier festival for horror, fantasy, and science fiction films in Europe.

10. Sarajevo Film Festival (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

• Founded: 1995
• When: August
• Notable for: A major festival in the Balkans, showcasing regional talent and international films with a strong political and social focus.

11. Torino Film Festival (Italy)

• Founded: 1982
• When: November
• Notable for: A key festival for independent and avant-garde cinema, often highlighting emerging filmmakers.

12. CPH:DOX (Denmark)

• Founded: 2003
• When: March
• Notable for: One of the largest documentary film festivals in the world, focusing on innovative and socially relevant non-fiction films.

13. Transilvania International Film Festival (TIFF) (Romania)

• Founded: 2002
• When: June
• Notable for: Romania’s most important film event, known for showcasing bold and innovative cinema, especially from Eastern Europe.

14. Gdynia Film Festival (Poland)

• Founded: 1974
• When: September
• Notable for: The most important Polish film festival, presenting the best in Polish cinema and awarding the Golden Lions.

15. DOK Leipzig (Germany)

• Founded: 1955
• When: October – November
• Notable for: One of the oldest documentary and animation film festivals in the world, featuring politically and socially engaged films.

These festivals, alongside the ones previously mentioned, make Europe a powerhouse for cinema.