History

Created in 1981 under the aegis of UNESCO’s International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication and sponsored by the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal, FIFA became an independent organization in 1983 with its own Board of Directors. Extending over five days, the 1st FIFA screened 50 films from 12 countries in a single theatre, the Cinémathèque québécoise. Beginning with its 21st edition in 2003, FIFA added 5 extra days to its schedule, making it a 10-day event.

For its 25th anniversary in 2007, more than 280 films from 25 countries were presented in eight theatres: the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Musée d’art contemporain, the Grande Bibliothèque, the Canadian Centre for Architecture, the Cinémathèque québécoise, the NFB Cinema, the Goethe-Institut and the Cinquième Salle of Place des Arts. Firmly established within the province’s distribution network, FIFA also has an international presence, with tours of its prize-winning films in such cities as Paris, Tourcoing (France), Boston, St-Louis, New York and Washington.

In an effort to broaden its range of subjects, FIFA introduces films devoted to several new genres—mime, circus arts, tattooing and comics. The sizeable increase in attendance is testimony to both the growing interest for artistic films in a multidisciplinary market, and to Montreal’s role as the cinematic hub of Canada.

« The International Festival of Films on Art celebrates its 25th birthday with yet another full, fascinating program. There are good reasons why the FIFA is considered first among equals on the global arts film fest circuit....This is a can’t miss event. »

John Griffin, The Gazette

Mission

FIFA’s primary mission is to increase public awareness, knowledge and appreciation of the arts by promoting works by artists and professionals from the fields of film, television and video. FIFA encourages the film industry, both nationally and internationally, to increase its annual production of films on art. To this end, it strives to develop international markets by inviting both Canadian and foreign filmmakers, professionals and artists to participate in exchanges and networking forums.

The international festival of films on art (FIFA) is a non-profit organization devoted to the worldwide promotion and presentation of films on art and media art.

Its principal activity is an annual 10-day festival held in montreal, the most important event of its kind in the world, which presents the finest productions from around the globe. 

The competive festival, whose prizewinners are selected by an international jury, is a mecca for artists and artisans working in the fields of art and cinema, as well for art and film enthusiasts.

Art On The Big Screen

FIFA is a non-profit organization devoted exclusively to promoting and increasing the visibility of films on art on an international scale. While the festival, which is held every spring, is the central focus, FIFA pursues its activities throughout the year.

The quality and originality of its selected works have made FIFA a fixture on the cultural landscape, and a major player in the international artistic and cinematic communities.

A Unique Organization

The experience, expertise and renown the festival has gained since its inception have made FIFA the most important event of its kind in the world. It has captured the attention of a growing number of countries, professionals, and art and film enthusiasts. Over the years it has reached an increasingly loyal and diverse public.
           
International Networks 

With its full-time delegates in Paris, London and New York constantly on the lookout for new talent, as well as its long-standing affiliations with renowned production houses from here and abroad, FIFA has developed solid relationships with the artistic and cinematic communities throughout the world. It has thus become a focal point for creativity, discoveries, exchanges, and meetings with professionals, artists and journalists of all nationalities.

FIFA Year-Round

Beyond promoting the festival itself, which attracts tens of thousands of people over a ten-day period every spring in Montreal, FIFA strives to raise public awareness of films on art throughout the year by means of various activities and events.