The Best of the International Film Festivals

Movies are a fantastic way to escape reality for a couple of hours. So then a film festival would be a great way to escape reality for a series of days. This article serves the purpose of listing what I believe are the five best international film festivals.

1. Tribeca Film Festival

The Tribeca Film Festival is located in Manhattan, New York. It was started in 2002 by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff in order to bring back the vigor of Tribeca after the September 11^th attack on the World Trade Center. The money that the festival generates helps local business and tourism in New York City.

The film fest is open to the general public and the film industry. The Tribeca Film Festival offers wide range of independently made films such as documentaries, narrative features, short film and family-friendly films. Tickets could be bought either online or at the festival.

The Tribeca Film Festival made my list because it is right in my backyard; has a very interesting beginning and is a great deal of fun. The website is http://www.tribecafilm.com and has a lot of information about the 2009 film festival and the upcoming 2010 film festival.

2. Venice International Film Festival

The Venice International Film Festival is located on the island of Lido in Venice, Italy and is the world's oldest film fest. It takes place at the end of August or the beginning of September. It was founded by Guiseppe Volpi di Misurata in 1932. The festival hands out the Golden Lion to the best film and the Volpi Cup to the best actor and actress. It made my list because of its prestige, location and it is on my list of places I'd like to visit.

The Venice International Film Festival is open to the general public for three venues: the Sala Grande, PalaBiennale and the Sala Darsnea. Tickets can be bought as season passes or individually; on-line or at the film festival. The festival's official website is http://www.labiennale.org/en/cinema/festival.

3. Toronto International Film Festival

The Toronto International Film Festival is another on the great festivals. It is held annually in Toronto, Ontario during the month of September. The international festival began in 1976 and has gained the reputation of being the film festival that launches the "Oscar buzz" films. The movie "Ray" and "Slumdog Millionaire" both premiered at the film fest. This year there will be between three to four hundred films featured from both established filmmakers as well as the newbie.

The Toronto International Film Festival's website is http://www.tiff.net/default.aspx. There is a bevy of helpful information for film goers travelling to the festival. Open to the general public for two special viewing, tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

4. Edinburgh International Film Festival

The Edinburgh International Film Festival first began in 1947 and is considered the business hub of the United Kingdom and international film industry. It is held annual in Edinburgh, Scotland for twelve days in the month of June. The festival features films from both national and international filmmakers. The film festival screens full feature lengths, documentaries, short films, animations and music videos.

The Edinburgh Film Festival's website is http://www.edfilmfest.org.uk/. The website features videos, photos and information about the award winners of 2009. There is also information for travelers who are planning on going to Scotland. The film festival made my list because it is open to the general public and its location gives the film goers a broader experience as they get the chance to explore the grand history of Edinburgh. It is beautiful and a highly recommended visit.

5. Cannes Film Festival

The Cannes Film Festival has become an important showcase for European films. It is privately held each year around the month of May. It began in 1946 after being delayed do to the start of the Second World War. It is also one of the world's oldest film festivals. It is held at the Palais des Festivals et des Congres in the tourist town called Cannes in the south of France. One of the interesting aspects of this film festival is the creation of the Cinéfondation in 1998. This competition looks for the next generation of international filmmakers by accepting selections from film schools.

The Cannes Film Festival made my list due to its reputation in the film industry, however unfortunately it is not open to the general public. There website is http://www.festival-cannes.com/en.html. More information can be found here as well as photo's, and archived information about past film fests.