What are the Big Five Film Festivals?
From Venice to Sundance, we write about the Big Five film festivals that have changed the landscape of cinema.
If you're exploring the world of film festivals, you're likely curious about which ones stand out. Among the many events showcasing the art of cinema, a handful rise above as the most influential and prestigious. These are often referred to as the "Big Five" film festivals, renowned for their history, significance, and impact on the film industry.
1) Venice Film Festival:
Established in 1932 by Giuseppe Volpi, a member of the National Fascist Party, this prestigious event is deeply intertwined with the Venice Biennale, one of the world's oldest and most revered exhibitions of art. The festival takes place annually in Venice, Italy, typically in late August or early September. It unfolds on the picturesque island of the Lido in the Venice Lagoon. The screenings occur in the iconic Palazzo del Cinema, situated along the Lungomare Marconi, providing a breathtaking backdrop for showcasing the best of global cinema. Over the years, the Venice Film Festival has garnered international acclaim for its commitment to artistic freedom and innovation in filmmaking.
During Luigi Chiarini's tenure as director of the Venice Film Festival from 1963 to 1968, significant changes were implemented to revitalize the event. Chiarini aimed to rejuvenate the festival's spirit and organization, advocating for a complete overhaul of its structure. Over six years, the festival adhered to strict selection criteria for competing works and resisted increasing pressures and interference from movie studios, prioritizing artistic quality over-commercialization. However, the social and political upheaval of 1968 profoundly impacted the Venice Biennale, leading to instability. From 1969 to 1979, no awards were given, and the festival returned to its non-competitive roots reminiscent of its inaugural edition due to the turbulent Years of Lead. The festival wasn't even held in 1973, 1977, and 1978. The prestigious Golden Lion award did not resume until 1980, marking a significant milestone in the festival's history.
Under the leadership of new director Carlo Lizzani (1979–1983), the Venice Film Festival experienced a revitalization in 1979, seeking to regain the international prestige it had lost over the previous decade. Lizzani's efforts laid the groundwork for restoring the festival's image and value. To modernize its image, a committee of experts was established to diversify film selections. Additionally, in 2004, the Giornate degli Autori, an independent parallel film festival, was created with the main festival. To commemorate its 70th edition in 2013, the festival introduced a new section, "Venezia 70 – Future Reloaded." Under the direction of Alberto Barbera, the festival has become a prominent platform for launching Oscar-winning films, hosting world premieres of acclaimed works such as Gravity, Birdman, and La La Land. The festival has also embraced emerging technologies, introducing a virtual reality film section in 2017, later renamed Venice Immersive in 2022. Venice Immersive has positioned the festival as a leading venue for showcasing virtual reality filmmaking. In 2018, Roma by Alfonso Cuarón made history by winning the Golden Lion, becoming the first movie produced by a streaming service, Netflix, to achieve such recognition at a major film festival.
2) Cannes Film Festival:
The Cannes Film Festival, formerly the International Film Festival, is a pinnacle of cinematic excellence and cultural celebration. Established in 1946, this invitation-only event is a globally recognized showcase for new films across all genres, including documentaries, worldwide. Held annually in Cannes, France, typically in May, the festival unfolds at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès. This prestigious venue has hosted countless iconic moments in cinema history. In 1951, the Cannes Film Festival received formal accreditation from the International Federation of Film Producers Associations (FIAPF), cementing its status as a premier global cinematic event. Since its inception, the festival has evolved into one of the "Big Three" major European film festivals, alongside the Venice Film Festival in Italy and the Berlin International Film Festival in Germany.
Under the leadership of Pierre Lescure, the former head of French pay-TV operator Canal+, who took over as President of the Festival in 2014, and Thierry Frémaux, the General Delegate, the Cannes Film Festival continues to uphold its legacy of artistic excellence and cultural significance. Gilles Jacob, appointed Honorary President of the Festival, adds prestige to the event. The Cannes Film Festival is not merely a gathering of industry professionals; it's a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the transformative power of cinema. Each year, it attracts filmmakers, actors, critics, and cinephiles worldwide, creating an atmosphere of excitement, discovery, and inspiration. As Cannes continues to evolve and adapt to the changing dynamics of the film industry, it remains an essential destination for anyone passionate about filmmaking.
3) Berlin International Film Festival:
The Berlin International Film Festival, commonly known as the Berlinale, is a pillar of cinematic excellence and cultural diversity. Founded in 1951, this major international film festival has evolved into one of Europe's "Big Three" alongside the Venice Film Festival and the Cannes Film Festival. Since 1978, the Berlinale has been held annually in February, attracting tens of thousands of visitors worldwide to the vibrant city of Berlin, Germany. At the heart of the Berlinale are approximately 400 films showcased across multiple venues, predominantly centered around the bustling Potsdamer Platz. These films span various cinematic genres and are divided into nine sections, offering something for every cinematic palate. Among them, around twenty films compete for the festival's most coveted awards in the Competition section.
The festival's top honors, the Golden Bear and Silver Bears, are awarded by an esteemed international jury chaired by a prominent figure in the world of cinema. Numerous other accolades are presented by specialized Berlinale juries, independent panels, and organizations, further enriching the festival's diverse tapestry of cinematic achievements. Beyond the screenings and awards, the Berlin International Film Festival also hosts the European Film Market (EFM), a concurrent film trade fair that attracts industry professionals from across the globe. The EFM provides a platform for networking, deal-making, and showcasing upcoming projects, contributing to the festival's reputation as a vital hub for the international film industry.
4) Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF): Established in 1976, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has become one of the world's most prestigious and largest publicly attended film festivals. Held annually in September, TIFF showcases a diverse selection of films from around the globe. The festival's People's Choice Award, determined by audience balloting, has gained recognition as an indicator of success during awards season, with many past recipients winning Oscars.
Operating out of the TIFF Lightbox Cultural Center in Downtown Toronto, the festival has become a permanent destination for film culture. TIFF's executive director, Cameron Bailey, oversees the festival's operations. Originally known as the Toronto Festival of Festivals, TIFF was founded by Bill Marshall, Dusty Cohl, and Henk Van der Kolk. The inaugural event in 1976 featured films from 30 countries, attracting 35,000 filmgoers.
Piers Handling has served as the festival's director and CEO since 1994, with Noah Cowan joining as co-director in 2004. TIFF has expanded its reach, introducing initiatives such as TIFF Cinematheque, the Film Reference Library, and the TIFF Kids International Film Festival. The festival's impact extends beyond Toronto through its Film Circuit program, which brings screenings of TIFF films to cities across Canada.
Initially centered on the Yorkville neighborhood, TIFF now garners attention in the Toronto Entertainment District, drawing international media coverage and celebrity buzz. In 2010, TIFF opened its permanent headquarters, TIFF Lightbox, offering year-round programming and screenings. Despite this, TIFF films continue to be showcased at various venues across Toronto, including the Scotiabank Theatre Toronto.
5) Sundance Film Festival: The Sundance Film Festival has its roots in the Utah/US Film Festival, which debuted in Salt Lake City in August 1978. Spearheaded by Sterling Van Wagenen of Robert Redford's Wildwood Enterprises, Inc., along with John Earle and Cirina Hampton-Catania from the Utah Film Commission, the festival aimed to draw filmmakers to Utah and promote independent cinema. The inaugural festival showcased American-made films like "Deliverance," "A Streetcar Named Desire," and "Midnight Cowboy," among others.
With a focus on independent American cinema, the festival sought to elevate the visibility of filmmaking in Utah while celebrating regional filmmakers operating outside the Hollywood system. Sterling Van Wagenen later departed to lead the Sundance Institute's pilot program, paving the way for Cirina Hampton Catania to step in as executive director. Under her leadership, the festival navigated financial challenges and grew its programming, featuring over 60 films in 1979 and honoring Hollywood legends like Jimmy Stewart with the inaugural Frank Capra Award. Despite initial debts, Catania's efforts secured sponsorships and advertising revenue, ensuring the festival's continuation and eventual profitability.
Over the years, the Sundance Film Festival has evolved from a modest platform for independent creators outside of Hollywood to a high-profile media event attracting celebrity actors, paparazzi, and corporate-sponsored luxury lounges. Concerns about this shift prompted festival organizers to initiate the "Focus On Film" campaign in 2007 to address the issue. The documentary "Official Rejection" in 2009 shed light on the challenges faced by small filmmakers trying to break into festivals like Sundance, suggesting that it had become dominated by major studios and corporations. The rise of large-scale productions at the festival led to the emergence of smaller satellite festivals in Park City, such as Slamdance, Nodance, and others. In response to these changes, Sundance introduced the "NEXT" programming category in 2010 to showcase innovative films on limited budgets. Additionally, the Sundance Film Festival USA program was launched, expanding the festival's reach across theaters in the United States.