Cinephiles, this one’s for you! If you’re one of those travellers who always knows which films were shot at the destinations you visit, or have a film destination bucket list, Expat Explore has just the list for you. We’ve compiled a film festival guide so you can merge your love of film with travel!
Read on for the best film festivals in Europe and beyond. From world-famous events to niche festivals, we have the lowdown on 2025 film festivals, where to visit and what to look forward to.
Expat Explore’s Film Festival Guide
Cannes Film Festival
13 May 2025
Destination: Cannes, France
Photo credit: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/xavier-dolan-attends-only-end-world-427251094
Cannes, a stunning city in France, is home to glamour, luxury, French Riviera views, and the Cannes Film Festival. Founded in 1946, many cinematographers, actors, directors and other Hollywood Allum have walked the 60m red carpet. Most notably, top Hollywood directors Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorsese gained industry acclaim at this prestigious event.
Related: Toast to fine French films in the top French wine regions.
BFI Film Festival
17-26 January 2025
Destination: London, United Kingdom
Photo credit: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/london-england-uk-october-12-2022-2213249759
The BFI Film Festival is the longest-running in the UK, having been founded in 1957. Today, this festival in London is unique as it is open to the public – all it takes is purchasing a ticket. Visitors are in for true cinematic innovation as this festival often honours new ways of conveying emotions and stories. From arthouse productions to huge box office busters, many UK films, and thus film talents, get their start here.
Related: Visit London on our Best of UK & Ireland Tour.
London Independent Film Festival
4th-13th April 2025
Destination: London, United Kingdom
Next, we head, well, around the corner… Still in London but with an entirely different atmosphere, the London Independent Film Festival focuses more on indie films than huge productions. With low-budget films and emerging actors at the forefront, this film festival is one where hidden gems and, often, cult classics, get their big break.
Venice International Film Festival
27 August – 6 September 2025
Destination: Venice, Italy
Founded in 1932, the Venice International Film Festival is not only a prestigious event but also the longest-running film festival in the world. And as it’s located on the Lido, the stunning Venetian lagoon views add to the charm and glamour. From major Academy Award contenders to local Italian favourites, a wide variety of films are celebrated in iconic venues such as the Palazzo del Cinema. While not open to the public, if you ever get invited to the Venice Film Festival, come prepared as this red carpet even rivals Cannes.
Related: Take a look at some other Italian festivals recommended by locals.
Glasgow Film Festival
26 February – 9 March 2025
Destination: Glasgow, Scotland
Photo credit: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/glasgow-scotland-april-29th-2019-film-1394156936
Just like Scotland’s winter, the Glasgow Film Festival is a cosy, warm and inviting experience. As one of the most affordable film festivals open to the public, the event is an interactive and lively one, filled with all sorts of film-related activities. From silent film screenings accompanied by live music to cosplay screenings and film quizzes, Glasgow truly offers a film festival unlike any other. While it might not be as glamorous as Venice or Cannes, there’s a palpable community spirit that drives the Glasgow Film Festival.
Related: Discover even more unmissable Scottish events in 2025.
Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival
1 – 9 November 2025 (50th anniversary)
Destination: Banff, Canada
Located against the breathtaking backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, the Banff Film Festival is an annual celebration of filmmaking that is conscious and community-focused. Considering the setting, stories centred around the environment and adventures are most appreciated. After taking submissions from over 40 countries worldwide, the top selected films are taken on tour to over 550 global communities.
Related: Here’s why Canada is one of the bucket list destinations of the new year.
Edinburgh film festival
Dates TBC
Destination: Edinburgh, Scotland
Founded in 1947, Edinburgh Film Festival is also one of the world’s longest-running film festivals. As it’s set in the enchanting capital of Scotland and open to the public, visitors can expect an array of influential films screened against Edinburgh’s stunning backdrop. Usually taking place in the summer and coinciding with other exciting events, such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the festival feeling is infectious! Visitors can also take full advantage of the city’s walkability, seeing other top sights in the area with little to no hassle getting there.
Related: Discover all you need to know about the sister event, Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Antarctic Film Festival
Dates TBC
Destination: Antarctica
Last but certainly not least is arguably the most unique of the events on our list. Held at research stations in Antarctica, this film festival is only attended by the staff and scientists stationed there. While it might not be the world’s biggest, it certainly is the most unique! Often focusing on environmental topics, this film festival can be described as the perfect blend of science and art. And since the films are made by residents, their DIY nature adds to the authenticity and community spirit of the event.
And so the credits start to roll on this tale of the top 2025 film festivals around the world. We hope you’ve gained some inspiration to make a movie of memories through travel.
If you’d like to visit some of the incredible countries on our list, simply book a tour! Expat Explore offers a variety of single and multi-country tours, so check for dates and align them with these must-visit festivals!