Europe is host to some of the world's most famous and influential film festivals, showcasing a varied array of shorts and feature-length movies of every genre imaginable. We've listed our film festival favourites – why not include one on your InterRail train trip!
Head to a film festival on your European rail trip
IDFA - International Documentary Film Festival, Amsterdam (16th - 27th November)
This is one of the world's leading documentary festivals with the majority of screenings held in the beloved Pathé Tuschinski in Amsterdam's centre. The festival hosts a selection of workshops and talks, plus after some screenings, the filmmakers open the floor to questions. On the final weekend of the festival, the most popular films – as voted by the public – are shown back to back. If you're short for time it's a good way to experience the best of the festival.
Visit the IDFA website
Berlin International Film Festival (9th - 19th February)
Berlin's annual film festival, also known as "Berlinale", is one of the world’s largest in terms of public attendance. On the menu is a broad range of genres, formats and length, covering anything from experimental to art house cinema with screenings in cinemas across the capital. As well as commercial movies, there are plenty of smaller-scale productions coming from emerging cinematographers. For the film buffs, there's an impressive programme that includes discussions and workshops led by industry professionals.
Visit Berlin Film festival website
Cannes Film Festival (16th - 27th May)
Think Cannes, think film festival, think rich and famous celebrities! Held annually at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, this is one of the most famous and most prestigious of them all. Unless you work in the industry, there's no way you're getting into the festival itself, however you can hang out at the red carpet and be dazzled by the the glitz and glamour. But don't despair, the festival organisers have thought about us non-industry peeps – head to the Cinéma de la Plage (Cinema on the Beach) where you can enjoy a film while lying back on the Cannes' sands. There's a screening each night of the festival, weather permitting of course.
Visit Cannes Film Festival website
Edinburgh International Film Festival (15th - 26th June)
Scotland's film festival holds the title of the longest continuously running film festival, with the 66th edition hitting Edinburgh in 2012. Be treated to an eclectic mix of British and international documentaries and fiction films with around 60 feature films to pick from. If you want to learn more about the industry, you can get involved with filmmaking and screenwriting workshops and get expert advice from people in the business.
Visit Edinburgh Film Festival website
Venice Film Festival (September, date to be confirmed)
The Venice Film Festival takes place in the historic Palazzo del Cinema on the Lungomare Marconi, located on Venice's Lido island – perhaps one of the most spectacular locations for such an event. Head to Venice and savour one of the best-loved festivals on the calendar and brush shoulders with the stars. There's a programme of screenings for the public, so don't worry you won't be left out.
Visit Venice Film Festival website
Raindance Film Festival, London (October, date to be confirmed)
Unlike many other film festivals, this British event showcases independent films, with a large selection coming out of the UK. For film fanatics, there's a decent programme of masterclasses and expert talks to get your teeth into. If you want to cram your week with quality films, get a festival pass (2011: £149 / €170), allowing you entrance to all screenings and workshops. Alternatively, watch any matinee screening at the bargain price of £5 (€6)!
Visit Raindance Film Festival website
