The Festival Beat N°1151 Happy New Year
THE FESTIVAL BEAT MAKER ! SHARING MOTION AND EMOTION SINCE 1995 - FINALIZING OUR NEW SITE - COMING OUT SOON
BEST OF LUCK ON THE CIRCUIT and Happy NEW YEAR
We are working hard fine tuning a new version of our platform to better serve our community. Filmfestivals.com was established in 1995 before google even existed, turned into a social network in 2006 with a blog platform welcoming festivals and film professionals with over 120 000 articles and counting. In the meantime we are busy maintaining the old site and offering unique visibility and promotion in our temp dailies to film and festivals pros.
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We cover over 15 000 festivals worldwide and proudly share our knowledge of the Festival circuit with our community, we trust our audience will ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE even more once the new platform is up and running : stay tuned!. In case you missed any of these 1100+ newsletters ... you can find them all here.
When Harry met Sally screening in a warm swimming pool in Iceland: Thank you RIFF • Jan 14, 2026 at 05:04 PM
by Editor
Riff presents the most romantic swim-in screening! Dear film lovers, What happens when one of the most beloved romantic comedies in film history meets warm water, floating guests, and a beautiful...
Renowned Filmmakers and Global Stars join Berlinale Special, Panorama and Generation • Jan 14, 2026 at 04:48 PM
by Berlin
Berlinale Special is one of the most diverse sections of the Berlin International Film Festival. With programming for new and existing audiences, Berlinale Special offers moments of red-carpet...
Berlinale Camera 2026: Award for Contemporary Composer and Artist Max Richter • Jan 14, 2026 at 04:42 PM
by Berlin
At the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, British-German contemporary composer and artist Max Richter will be honoured with the Berlinale Camera. The laudatory speech will be delivered by...
Film Selection for the Retrospective 2026 and Cooperation with the Goethe-Institut • Jan 14, 2026 at 04:34 PM
by Berlin
The Berlinale Retrospective 2026 celebrates a special decade! “Lost in the 90s” tours an era of upheaval, rebellion, and cinematic experimentation. The fall of the Berlin Wall, political chaos,...
The 2026 Berlinale Key Design: the return of the Bear! • Jan 14, 2026 at 04:37 PM
by Berlin
The 76th Berlin International Film Festival will take place from February 12 to 22, 2026. Starting at the end of January, Berlinale posters will be displayed throughout Berlin to set the mood for...
The Fantasporto VIDEO CHANEL • Jan 13, 2026 at 07:31 PM
by Fantasporto
Founded in 1981 and with 46 years of uninterrupted activity, the festival is one of the country's cultural landmarks. It has been awarded the Medal of Cultural Merit by the Government, the Gold...
Fantasporto 46 exciting Final Line-Up • Jan 13, 2026 at 06:51 PM
by Fantasporto
The 46th edition of Fantasporto – Porto International Film Festival will be dominated by European cinema, with a strong presence from Spain, showcasing films that demonstrate the brilliance of its...
Moments from 20th Annual Bahamas International Film Festival • Jan 13, 2026 at 05:30 PM
FIPADOC Industry program revealed • Jan 13, 2026 at 02:57 PM
by FIPADOC
THE FULL 2026 INDUSTRY DAYS PROGRAM IS NOW ONLINE The first major international documentary festival of the year, Fipadoc brings the documentary community together in Biarritz for the Industry Days,...
The New Cittador-IFF 2026 Poster • Jan 11, 2026 at 11:29 AM
Meet the new Cittador-IFF 2026 poster and get ready for our 5th season in Vienna! Cittador International Film Festival is moving straight from a successful 4th season into an exciting new edition in...
Fipadoc PRO unveils its full programme: conferences, panel discussions, keynotes, pitching sessions… • Jan 08, 2026 at 01:43 PM
by FIPADOC
Discover all the sessions dedicated to documentary professionals now.Fipadoc Pro will take place from January 26 to 29, 2026, at the Bellevue building.BROWSE THE PROGRAM HERE.The first major...
> RED SEA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL Video coverage by Bruno Chatelin and Emmanuel Itier
VIDEO Sir Anthony Hopkins in conversation: the legend and Hannibal Lecter
> PEOPLE IN FOCUS
Goodbye, Brigitte - the National Museum of Cinema in Turin pays tribute to the French star • Jan 15, 2026 at 03:41 PM
The National Museum of Cinema in Turin pays tribute to French star Brigitte Bardot, who passed away December 28 in her house in St. Tropez. She is one of the stars immortalized by Angelo Frontoni and...
German production company Komplizenfilm will be awarded at the upcoming European Film Awards on January 17 • Jan 15, 2026 at 03:44 PM
German production company Komplizenfilm will be awarded at the upcoming European Film AwardsEURIMAGES INTERNATIONAL CO-PRODUCTION AWARD goes to Maren Ade, Jonas Dornbach, and Janine Jackowski from...
Interview With Award Winning Turkish Writer Director Hakan Unal @ 20th Annual BIFF
During the 2025 Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF), I sat with award-winning Turkish writer producer Hakan Unal at the King's Surf Shack on Harbour Island. We spoke about his short films that have been awarded at multiple international film festivals around the world and his recent acceptance to the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. BIFF is a boutique film festival of the highest standard, where film talent from all over the world gathers in ...
Interview With Writer Tad Daggerhart for COYOTES (2025) @ 20th Annual BIFF
Writer Tad Daggerhart During the 2025 Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF), I sat with actor, writer and producer Tad Daggerhart at the ELH airport in the Bahamas on the last day of BIFF. We spoke at length about his illustrious career as an independent filmmaker, and his latest film COYOTES (2025), which screened at the festival. Tad is known for his work on THE EXPENDABLES 4 (2023) and BLACK LOTUS (2023). He is in development for his latest project which he will write...
Interview With Writer Director Cash Robinson for "Nobody Wants to Be Here, Nobody Wants to Leave" (2025) @ BIFF
Director Cash Robinson During the 2025 Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF), I sat with writer director Cash Robinson at the King's Surf Shack on Harbour Island in mid December. Cash's film "Nobody Wants to Be Here, Nobody Wants to Leave" (2025) screened to local and international guests at BIFF. BIFF is a boutique film festival of the highest standard, where film talent from all over the world gathers in paradise&nb...
Interview With Producer Jib Polhemus on COYOTES (2025) at 20th Annual BIFF
During the 2025 Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF), talent manager and producer Jib Polhemus and I sat at the Dunmore Hotel on Harbour Island with the idyllic view of pink sand and Caribbean blue water in front of us. BIFF is a boutique film festival of the highest standard, where film talent from all over the world gathers in paradise for a week every December for screenings, panels, writer ...
VIDEO 'My relationship with death remains the same. I am strongly against it': Woody Allen
> INDIA IN FOCUS with SIRAJ SYED
Third Eye Asian Film Festival accepts my proposal, institutes best debut director award
Third Eye Asian Film Festival accepts my proposal, institutes best debut director award In a rare occurrence, the organisers of the Third Eye Asian Film Festival (TEAFF), currently being held in Mumbai and Thane, accepted the proposal I put forth at their press conference on 22nd December, at the iconic Rajkamal Kalamandir complex, that, since there were several directors whose debut-making films were to be screened at the TEAFF, they should consider instituting an award for the Best Debut Di...
What can you see through your Two Eyes at the Third Eye Asian Film Festival?
What can you see through your Two Eyes at the Third Eye Asian Film Festival? Beginning on Friday, the 9th of January, the 22nd Third Eye Asian Film Festival, 2026, organised by The Asian Film Foundation, Prabhat Chitra Mandal and Enlighten Film Society and Supported by the Cultural Affairs Department of the Government of Maharashtra, Maharashtra Film, Stage & Cultural Development Corporation, National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and National Film Archive of India (NFAI), has a fea...
Third Eye opens its festival doors for the 22nd time, on 09 January 2026
Third Eye opens its festival doors for the 22nd time, on 09 January 2026 A lot of film-buffs have felt that Mumbai should have been chosen as the permanent venue for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Since 1976, only 3 such festivals were held here, as variations of IFFI, called Filmotsavs. During 1996-97, a group of film society members, film directors, actors and other personalities, who had their base in Mumbai, were rooting for IFFI to settle here. But the Central Governmen...
> FESTIVALS IN FOCUS
Goodbye, Brigitte - the National Museum of Cinema in Turin pays tribute to the French starJan 15, 2026 at 02:41 PM by Alice Kanterian
German production company Komplizenfilm will be awarded at the upcoming European Film Awards on January 17Jan 15, 2026 at 02:44 PM by Alice Kanterian
Film Selection for the Retrospective 2026 and Cooperation with the Goethe-InstitutJan 14, 2026 at 03:34 PM by Berlin
The 2026 Berlinale Key Design: the return of the Bear!Jan 14, 2026 at 03:37 PM by Berlin
Fantasporto 46 exciting Final Line-UpJan 13, 2026 at 05:51 PM by Fantasporto
The Academy Museum Welcomes Guillermo del Toro for the 23rd Annual George Stevens Lecture on Directing
The Academy Museum Welcomes Guillermo del Toro for the 23rd Annual George Stevens Lecture on Directing and a Screening of THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLDThe Program will Premiere the New 4k Restoration...
Jafar Panahi tried in Iran on Sunday, January 4, for making film “It Was Just an Accident”
Iranian director Jafar Panahi, winner of the Palme d'Or and other prestigious international awards for making the film “It Was Just an Accident” will stand trial in Iran on Sunday, January 4, 2026,...
Fantasporto 2026 to present a unique retrospective dedicated to Norwegian cinema
From February 28th to March 9th, 2026, Porto will host the 46th edition of Fantasporto, the International Film Festival. Founded in 1981 and with 45 years of uninterrupted activity, the festival is one of the country's cultural landmarks. It has been awarded the Medal of Cultural Merit by the Government, the Gold Medals of the Porto and Gaia City Councils, and is recognized as an Institution of Public Utility. The international press confirms this recognition: Variety dedicated seve...
A new festival on the circuit promoting Peace : Hallelujah Film Festival 2025 thank you Pascal Vicedomini
Cinema for Peace from December 6 to 13 in Castel Gandolfo Liliana Cavani, Noa, Vince Riotta, Phil Palmer and Cristiana Capotondi – together with Andrea Griminelli, Andrea Morricone, Marco Leonardi, Maria Pia Calzone, Lina Sastri and Marco Pontecorvo – will be among the guests of the Hallelujah Film Festival, taking place in Castel Gandolfo from December 6 to 13, 2025. This first edition inaugurates a new international event dedicated to cinema a...
> FILMS IN FOCUS
The HOUSEMAID Comes Tomorrow Get Ready!
by Quendrith Johnson, Los Angeles Correspondent Mamma Mia's Amanda Seyfreid is back, in sinister mode this time, with Sydney Sweeney in THE HOUSEMAID, opening wide Friday, Dec. 19. Based on the best-selling novel by literal brain doctor Freida McFadden, Amanda’s Nina Winchester is about to twist Sydney’s Millie Calloway into an emotional pretzel in this giddy-making thriller from director Paul Feig. In case you forgot about CHLOE (2009) where Amanda Seyfried terrorizes a Juli...
Gotta Call BS on Quentin Tarantino’s Top 10 List
by Quendrith Johnson, Los Angeles Correspondent So Quentin Tarantino just named his Top 10 Films of the 21st Century, as least that's what we think he did. The list, which we have cribbed from Screenmancer in LA, has so many flaws it is hard to believe it is authentic. Given Tarantino's upcoming Dec. 5 release of Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair, you wonder if it's just a grenade thrown into the Hollywood spin cycle? Either way, we borrowed a page from Screenmancer for the lowdo...
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The New Media Film Festival®
June 4 – 5, 2026
November 4, 2025 Regular Deadline 2
The New Media Film Festival® represents a convergence of technology and tradition, offering a hybrid platform that caters to both in-person and online audiences. This innovative event showcases a diverse range of categories, from the classic to the cutting-edge, reflecting the festival's commitment to embracing the evolving landscape of media. With a focus on boundary-pushing content, the festival provides a unique space for creators to present their work in various formats, including traditional screenings and experiential presentations. This approach not only honors the storytelling craft but also celebrates the role of technology in shaping new methods of media consumption and interaction. The festival's inclusive ethos is evident in its wide array of categories, ensuring that there is a place for every form of creative expression.
Our mandate is to be fair to all creators, in all ages, all cultures and all media.
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NYC Independent Film Festival
June 1 – 7, 2026
PARTNER FESTIVAL WITH FILMFESTIVALS.COM
Regular Deadline : November 30, 2025
Late Deadline : January 15, 2026
Extended Deadline : February 15, 2026
Home of the NYC Indie Awards the festival aims to discover the Artist Filmmaker, showcasing them to the entertainment industry and the NYC public. All NYCIndieFF screenings take place in the historic center of NYC, Time Square which is the perfect home for an event geared toward creating incredible opportunities for independent voices.
NYCIndieFF honors the Best in Category which includes Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary, Best Short Documentary, Best Short Narrative, Best Super Short, Best Covid Diaries, as well as Best Director and Best Screenplay.
New York City Independent Film Festival (NYCIndieFF) will hold a physical festival this year. We will celebrate the Independent Filmmaker, documentaries, short and feature-length films and animation. Whether a submission is comedic, dramatic, or something in between, The NYCIndieFF is eager to embrace fresh ideas and storytelling.
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French Riviera Film Festival
Cannes : May 15 – 16, 2026
PARTNER FESTIVAL WITH FILMFESTIVALS.COM
December 15 / Earlybird deadline
February 15, 2026 / Regular Deadline
March 16, 2026 / Late Deadline
April 11, 2026 / Extended Deadline
SUBMIT
The 8th annual French Riviera Film Festival (FRFF) will recognize and celebrate short-form content created for film, television, Web and all digital platforms. In the glamorous South of France setting, FRFF invites filmmakers from around the globe to participate in the two-day festival that includes screenings, awards ceremony, and closing gala party. FRFF will place the spotlight on the best short-form filmed content during the time period of the annual Festival de Cannes. A prestigious jury panel will select Best Drama Short, Best Comedy Short, Best Documentary Short, Best Animation Short, Best Experimental Short, Best Lifestyle Short, Best Fashion Short, Best Music Video, Best Female Filmmaker Award, Best Director Award, Best Actor Award, Best Actress Award, Best Activism Short, Best Micro Short Award, Industry Excellence Award, and Lifetime Achievement Awards . Attendees and participants will include filmmakers, industry executives, celebrities, media, and influencers.
https://filmfreeway.com/FrenchRivieraFilmFestival
The Cannes awards highlights video
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Fantasporto 2026
February 27 - March 3, 2026
Final deadline for shorts and features: November 30th 2025 The 46th edition of the PORTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL – FANTASPORTO 2026 will take place at BATALHA CENTRO DE CINEMA.dates will be announced soonThe Festival main purpose is screening and promoting films of quality, both aesthetically and thematically, and to seek new forms and methods of filmmaking.Submitted films must be portuguese premieres of films shot in 2024 Regulations and Entry Form
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Myrtle Beach International Film Festival
April 21 - 25, 2026
Regular Deadline November 14, 2025
Late Deadline December 5, 2025
Extended Deadline December 31, 2025
FILMMAKERS, IT’S YOUR TIME TO SHINE! Submissions are NOW OPEN for the 21st Myrtle Beach International Film Festival, hitting the Grand 14 Theater’s massive 57ft screen April 21-25, 2026!
Unleash your wildest stories, boldest docs, or heart-pounding thrillers at this award-winning fest, hailed as a Movie Maker Magazine “Top 25 Worth the Entry Fee”! Join a global wave of creators at the East Coast’s ultimate cinematic celebration—think Sundance with a beach vibe!
Don’t wait—submit NOW at myrtlebeachfilmfestival.com and let your vision steal the spotlight! #MBIFF21 #FilmMakersUnite #makemoviesthatmatter
For Over Two Decades, the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival (MBIFF) has celebrated cinematic excellence, showcasing exceptional films and filmmakers worldwide. Renowned for its commitment to Real Films, Real Art, and Real Passion, MBIFF is a favorite among filmmakers and film enthusiasts for submissions and attendance.
Recognized as one of Movie Maker Magazine’s “Top 25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee,” MBIFF has also earned accolades such as a top-five festival to visit in South Carolina by Livability.com (2023), a highlight in Leisure Group Travel’s “Best Festivals in Myrtle Beach” (2023), and a spot among Trip101.com’s “Top 10 Festivals in Myrtle Beach” (2023).
We look forward to viewing your film /project!
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ONES TO WATCH FOR FESTIVAL CONSIDERATION carefully curated by Bruno Chatelin
'LALA, MY REDHEAD' Feature film award winning script by Nellie K. and Deniz Nala
at development stage, with a finalised script
Love and poverty, betrayal and wealth - centuries of traditions put to the test! A compelling story intricately woven into a comprehensive exploration of women’s status against the backdrop of the Roma culture. From the director of an award-winning film in Cannes 2023.
“I worked in Cannes with Emir Kusturica as his Sony Distributor on his brilliant award winning film: “Time of The Gypsies”: when I read the script for “Lala, my redhead” I immediately saw the connection and the potential of a unique story: I trust you will like it too. “
Bruno Chatelin - filmfestivals.com founder
> AWARDS WATCH ...
IFFI Goa 2025, 08: Prizes and surprises
IFFI Goa 2025, 08: Prizes and surprises Vietnamese film Skin of Youth, written and directed by Ashleigh Mayfair, was adjudged the best feature film in the International Competition section, thereby bagging the prestigious Golden Peacock in 56th IFFI, which concluded on the 28th of November in Panaji, Goa. Ashleigh, who hates being called Ashleigh, and prefers ‘Ash’, has highlighted the problem of trans-gender persons in her country, using a real life story, with the protagonist pl...
Down MEMORY LANE : Filmfestivals.com proud presenter of the Hollywood European Award to The Sea Inside October 18, 2004
A look back at Bruno Chatelin, filmfestivals.com co-founder, film veteran and former distributor with Sony, and UGC/Fox adressing the room, 21 years ago, during the Hollywood Awards Ceremony at the Beverly Hilton, as co producer with Paula Wagner and Carlos de Abreu and sponsor of the Hollywood European Award. Chatelin handed the award to MAR ADENTRO (The Sea Inside), A film by Alejandro Amenábar. With Leonardo di Caprio, Keanu Reeves and Mel Gibson. The 8th Annual Ho...
> NEWS IN FRENCH
La Bourse NOUVELLES VAGUES – Fondation Barrière revient pour une 3ᵉ édition • jan 13, 2026 at 07:53 PM
par Editor
Depuis 1999, à l’initiative de Diane Barrière, la Fondation Barrière œuvre en faveur du cinéma. Elle s’inscrit dans la continuité de l’engagement historique du groupe Barrière pour la culture, la...
Drôle d'endroit pour des rencontres à Bron en janvier 2026 • jan 08, 2026 at 04:42 PM
par Editor
DRÔLE D'ENDROIT POUR DES RENCONTRES DU 28 JANVIER AU 1er FÊVRIER 2026 Une fenêtre sur le mondeUne fenêtre sur le monde: comme vous le suggère l'affiche de sa 34 édition, c'est ce que vous propose "...
Le programme du FIPADOC Pro qui ouvrira ses portes du 26 au 29 janvier 2026 • jan 07, 2026 at 06:24 PM
par FIPADOC
LA PROGRAMMATION COMPLÈTE DU FIPADOC PRO 2026 EST EN LIGNERendez-vous incontournable pour la communauté française et européenne du documentaire, le FIPADOC Pro ouvrira ses portes du 26 au 29 janvier...
Un nouveau partenariat entre Logicomix et le Fipadoc le Festival International du Documentaire • jan 07, 2026 at 05:47 PM
par FIPADOC
Un nouveau partenariat entre Logicomix et le Fipadoc, le Festival International du Documentaire : Yann Chapellon, fondateur de Logicomix, se réjouit d’annoncer un nouveau partenariat conclu avec le...
Wang Bing, président du 32e FICA • jan 07, 2026 at 05:10 PM
par Editor
Le 32e Festival International des Cinémas d’Asie de Vesoul est placé sous la présidence du jury international du grand réalisateur chinois Wang Bing, l’un des documentaristes contemporains les plus...
Send Help : le nouveau film de Sam Raimi en ouverture du Festival de Gérardmer ! • jan 07, 2026 at 03:21 PM
par Editor
Send Help Le film d'ouverture de la 33e édition ... © 2025 20th Century Studios. Tous droits réservésSam Raimi est de retour avec un thriller psychologique empreint d'humour noir, Send Help. Le...
Une icone s'est éteinte Brigitte Bardot nous a quittés • jan 03, 2026 at 12:30 AM
par Editor
Une des dernières icônes du cinéma français vient de s'éteindre. La Fondation Brigitte Bardot a annoncé le décès de l'actrice, dans la matinée, à l’âge de 91 ans. Star de l’âge d’or du cinéma, elle a...
38e édition du 20 au 29 mars 2026 à Toulouse et tout le mois de mars en Occitanie • jan 02, 2026 at 11:05 PM
par Editor
En décembre les équipes de Cinélatino sont heureuses de vous communiquer les premiers éléments qui constitueront la 38e édition : l’affiche, le programme du focus et le village.Comme l’année...
31ème Cérémonie des Lumières de la presse internationale L’Étranger en tête des nominations devant Dossier 137 et Nouvelle Vague
Lançant la saison des récompenses cinématographiques en distinguant chaque année les meilleurs fi lms et talents du 7ème art français, les 31èmes prix Lumières décernés par les membres de l’Académie...
