The 21st annual Bucharest International Film Festival (BIFF) is set to captivate audiences from September 19-28, 2025. This year's festival will showcase a rich cinematic tapestry with national premieres across five distinct categories: the Feature Film Competition, Short Film Section, Panorama, Romanian Authors, and History & Cinema. This curated selection highlights BIFF's dedication to providing a vibrant platform for both established and emerging filmmakers.
Presiding over the international jury is acclaimed Romanian director Stere Gulea, who received the BIFF 2024 Excellence Award. Gulea, with a directorial career spanning decades and notable works such as "Moromeții 2" and "State of Things," brings extensive experience to his role. He will be joined by a distinguished panel, including Argentinian director Pablo César, actress Olimpia Melinte, and BBC journalist Vincent Dowd, ensuring a thorough and insightful evaluation of the competing films.
The Feature Film Competition will spotlight compelling international narratives, featuring titles like Finland and Norway's "A Light That Never Goes Out," the Romanian-Greek-Danish co-production "Ink Wash," and Chile's "La Misteriosa Mirada del Flamenco." These selections represent a broad spectrum of global storytelling and artistic vision. The film "YES," directed by Nadav Lapid, which premiered at Cannes 2025, will also be screened, with Lapid and cinematographer Shai Goldman in attendance for a masterclass.
The festival will take place across several key venues in Bucharest, including Cinema Muzeul Țăranului Român, CREART - Grădina cu filme, Cinemateca Eforie, and Cinema Union. The previous edition of BIFF attracted over 40,000 spectators and featured 30 film premieres, underscoring its significant role in Romania's cultural calendar and its contribution to international cultural dialogue.
BIFF is organized by Fundația Charta and Asociația Culturală “Grigore Vasiliu Birlic,” with the High Patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Radu of Romania and support from the Ministry of Culture. Film festivals like BIFF are increasingly recognized for their impact on cultural tourism, drawing visitors and stimulating local economies, and solidifying Bucharest's position as a hub for international cinematic art.