Film festivals provide moviegoers with the first exposure to cinema's best new films. Influential international film festivals as Cannes Film Festival, The Toronto International Film Festival, Venice Film Festival, and The Sundance Film Festival showcase the most exciting work by contemporary film makers. Major film acquisitions are made, obscure films are discovered, and future classics are recognized. Cinephiles will want to stay up to date with news from these top film festivals.

1. The Cannes Film Festival

Founded in 1939, The Cannes Film Festival is one of the world's oldest, most influential and prestigious film festivals. The international festival is held annually every May at the Palais des Festivals of Congress in Cannes, a ritzy Mediterranean town in the south of France. Cannes is considered to be one of the most important marketplaces for European films. It's also a showcase for Hollywood films that screen out of competition.More »

2. Berlin International Film Festival

Founded in 1951, the Berlin International Film Festival, also called the Berlinale, is one of the world's leading film festivals and most reputable media events held in Berlin, Germany. Celebrated annually in February, up to 400 films are shown, representing a comprehensive array of the cinematic world. Films compete for the prestigious Golden and Silver Bears Awards.More »

3. The New York Film Festival

First held in 1963, The New York Film Festival (NYFF) boasts the newest and most important cinematic works by directors from around the world. The two week long festival, held each October, offers an unparalleled showcase of inspiring and provocative cinema by emerging talents and first-rank international artists whose films are often recognized as contemporary classics.More »

4. Venice Film Festival

Founded by Count Giuseppe Volpi di Misurata in 1932, the Venice Film Festival is the oldest film festival in the world. The festival takes place every year in late August or early September in Venice, Italy with screenings at the historic Palazzo del Cinema on the Lungomare Marconi.More »

5. The Sundance Film Festival

Founded in 1978 by Robert Redford, The Sundance Film Festival is the world's largest showcase for independent film. In recent years, the festival has grown from a small informal fest into an enormous market place, attracting A-list stars appearing in small films, celebrity appearances at corporate sponsored parties, and an influx of major entertainment industry magnets. While the festival continues to champion small films by unknown filmmakers, Sundance has recently become know for its cross-over hits, including the mega hit Little Miss Sunshine.More »

6. The Tribeca Film Festival

Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff founded the Tribeca Film Festival in 2001 following the attacks on the World Trade Center to spur the economic and cultural revitalization of lower Manhattan through an annual celebration of film, music and culture. The Festival’s mission focuses on assisting filmmakers to reach the broadest possible audience and promoting New York City as a major filmmaking center.More »

7. The Toronto International Film Festival

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) ranks among the most prestigious international film festivals in the world. Between 300-400 films are screened each year, many of them either North American or World premieres. Held early in September, the attendance at the festival exceeds 300,000 from both the general public and industry audiences. Many studios use the Toronto Film Festival to begin their Oscar campaigns for high profile films.More »