Film Festivals Around the World

Cannes · May

The most prestigious stop on the international circuit. A Palme d’Or or Un Certain Regard berth at Cannes can define a film’s year, launching world cinema’s biggest auteurs and boldest discoveries onto the global stage.

Park City, Utah · January

America’s foremost independent showcase. Every January the snow-bound streets of Park City host the year’s breakout indies and documentaries — the launchpad for a huge share of the films critics champion months later.

Venice · August–September

The oldest film festival in the world, and the unofficial opening bell of awards season. A Golden Lion on the Lido has become one of the surest early signals of an Oscar contender.

Berlin · February

Europe’s most politically engaged major festival. The Berlinale’s Golden Bear favours socially conscious, formally adventurous cinema from every corner of the world.

Toronto · September

The great audience festival and a decisive awards-season bellwether — its People’s Choice Award has an uncanny record of predicting Best Picture contenders.

Annecy · June

The world’s premier animation festival. A prize by the lake at Annecy is the highest honour in animated cinema, spotlighting artistry far beyond the major studios.

Austin, Texas · March

Where independent film meets music and technology. SXSW in Austin is the natural home of genre discoveries, midnight breakouts and crowd-pleasing documentaries.

Tokyo · October

Asia’s largest competitive film festival and Japan’s premier showcase — a launchpad for the country’s cinema onto the world stage, from Kurosawa to the modern blockbuster.

Lagos · November

One of the continent’s leading celebrations of African storytelling, championing the filmmakers and industries reshaping cinema across Africa and its diaspora.

Morelia · October

Mexico’s leading film festival, a vital platform for new Mexican and Latin American voices — and increasingly a marquee stop for world premieres of major auteur cinema.

San Sebastián · September

Spain’s foremost festival and one of Europe’s most prestigious, its Golden Shell a coveted prize — long a crucial bridge between European and Latin American cinema.