Festivals in Focus
6-29 April 2005, Reading Room
The festivals featured in the display have been chosen to give some idea of the wealth of film coverage and information available. We focus on:
First opened in June 1951 as part of the city's post-war cultural reconstruction. Today the Berlinale screens around 400 films every year and hosts the European Film Market, making it one of the most important dates on the international film festival calendar.
Prestigious, competitive international festival devoted entirely to animation. Held in Annecy for over 40 years, the festival has been expanded to include a film market and jobs fair.
Created over 20 years ago by the Sundance Institute founded by Robert Redford. Intended to encourage independent film-making outside the US mainstream, Sundance is widely recognised as the showcase for the best in American independent cinema. International independent productions also participate.
Le Giornate del Cinema Muto - Pordenone Silent Film Festival. Festival dedicated to cinema worldwide made before the advent of sound. Each year celebrates different individuals and themes that have contributed to early film-making.
Founded in 1961 as the Cracow International Documentary and Short Film Festival, the Cracow Film Festival is regarded as one of the most important events in Eastern Europe for 'artistically ambitious' short and documentary films.
Biennial, Pan-African film festival launched in 1969 and held in Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, FESPACO has become Africa's largest regular cultural event. Includes competition reserved for films made by Africans. Festival screenings are open to professionals and the public.
Formerly known as Semana Internacional de Cine Fantastico y de Terror. Main focus of this long-established festival, held just south of Barcelona, is the fantasy/horror genre. However, in recent years the festival has extended its remit to include mainstream productions, with a special focus on Asian cinema.
After an abortive pre-war opening in 1939, the Cannes Festival International du Film was launched in September 1946 as France's first important international post-war cultural event. Creation of the Marche du Film in 1959 further increased the festival's influence by giving it a business forum. Aiming to balance 'artistic quality' with 'commercial impact', Cannes has today become the most 'mediatised' festival event, attracting over 4,000 journalists to its south of France venue.
First held in Bombay in 1952, the IFFI ranks as the oldest film festival in Asia. It gained official recognition from FIAPF (Federation Internationale des Associations de Producteurs de Films) in 1965, becoming an annual event from 1975. Since 1983, the festival has established itself as a major forum for Third World Cinema.
Claiming to be the longest continually running film festival in the world, the Edinburgh International Film Festival was set up in 1947, originally as a documentary film festival. Still with a strong documentary section, the festival has evolved over the decades to become, along with the London Film Festival, the premier showcase in UK for international cinema. Also promotes British film through its New British Expo section.
Launched by the BFI in 1957, the London Film Festival aims to screen the best in new cinema from around the world, as well as presenting homegrown talent. The festival shares honours with Edinburgh as UK's foremost showcase of international cinema.
Running since 1986 and organised by the BFI from 1988, the LLGFF has been described as a 'celebration of cinema and queer-makers' contribution to the art form'. It also highlights the diversity of films reflecting gay and lesbian culture.
Oldest women's film festival in the world, now in its 27 th year. Held annually in Creteil, France.
Known as one of Asia's liveliest film festivals, held in South Korea's port city of Pusan. Attracting both the general public and industry professionals, Pusan is widely regarded as a gateway to the global market for Asian films as well as a major showcase of international cinema.
International festival for films and television programmes made for young people aged 4-25 years. Held annually in Belfast since 1989, CineMagic is currently the largest film and television event for young people in UK and Ireland. Presented by Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission.
Oldest film festival in the world, first presented in 1932 as part of 18 th Venice Biennale of arts. Has often served as a model for other festivals.
Listing of over 600 international film festivals,including television and video festivals, giving details on how and when to enter these events.
