Top 10 Most Prestigious Film Festivals in the World

Every filmmaker looks forward for film festivals for maximum exposure of its products. At the same time, the film festivals are awaited by the audience who love to watch the movies of different genres, languages, and regions etc. The film festivals give a chance to the filmmakers to introduce themselves to the world of entertainment. Let us take a look at the top 10 most prestigious film festivals in the world.

10. Melbourne International Film Festival

The Melbourne International Film Festival is the biggest festival of Australia. It generated much interest among film lovers. It is also one of the oldest film festivals, having been founded in 1952. It lets the filmmakers have the chance to showcase their movies, and get awards. Some of the best awards this festival offers are City of Melbourne Grand Prix for Best Short Film, BBC Knowledge Award for Best Documentary Short Film, People’s Choice Award for Best Feature, and Holmesglen Award for Best Animation Short Film.

9. Hong Kong International Film Festival

The Hong Kong International Film Festival promotes and launches the works of newcomers. This film festival was founded in 1977, and became an independent festival since 2005. It holds various awards and competitions for the participants, such as Asian Digital Competition, Humanitarian Awards for Documentaries, and The Fresh Wave Short Film Competition.

8. Toronto Film Festival

The Toronto Film Festival was founded in 1976. It is a prestigious event, held yearly. Some of its best awards include People’s Choice award, and the Best Canadian Feature Film award. It was initially called ‘The Festivals of Festivals’, and was originated by William Marshall, Henk van der Kolk, and Dusty Cohl.

7. Venice Film Festival

The Venice Film Festival is one of the oldest and most famous festivals. It was founded in 1932. The awards given during this festival are Golden Lion, Silver Lion, Lion of the Future, Jaeger-LeCoultre Glory to the Filmmaker Award etc.

6. Annecy International Animated Film Festival

The Annecy International Animated Film Festival is a festival held for animated films. It was founded in 1960, and is organized in Annecy, France. The festival, initially, used to held twice a year, but since 1998, it has become an annual event. It is the best place to showcase the animated movies.

5. San Francisco International Film Festival

The San Francisco International Film Festival was founded in 1957 by Irving Levin. This is one of the longest running film festivals of America. It is held during the spring season, and remains for two to three weeks. Its best awards are the New Directors award, Golden Gate award etc.

4. Raindance Film Festival

The Raindance Film Festival was established by Elliot Grove in 1992. It is one of the prominent independent film festivals, held in multiple cities like London, Brussels, New York, Los Angeles, Budapest, Berlin, Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal.

3. Berlin International Film Festival

The Berlin International Film Festival was established in 1951. It is held in Berlin, Germany. It holds the record of the being the largest publicly attended film festival. The awards given here include the Golden Bear, and the Silver Bear. It is also known as Berlinale.

2. Sundance Film Festival

The Sundance Film Festival is an internationally recognized festival. It is held in Utah, and was established in 1978. The festival showcases independent films made by both American and international independent film-makers. It conducts several competitions for documentary films, feature films, short films and so on.

1. Cannes Film Festival

The Cannes Film Festivals was established in 1930. It is one of the most publicized events in the world. Its most famous awards are Palme d’Or, Grand Prix, Queer Palm, Caméra d’Or, Prix Vulcain and others.