Film Festival Vacations
If you like spending a night at the movies, you’ll love spending a vacation at the movies. From riveting documentaries to whimsical comedies, film festivals are often the source of the world’s best motion pictures. See a movie with a five-star cast months to a year before it hits the big screen (and grab a few priceless autographs while you’re at it), or see a life-changing documentary that will never make it to the big screen.
Maybe you’re a film nut or maybe you’re just looking for something new and interesting to do. Film festival vacations aren’t only about film, they’re about discovery, too.
The AFI Los Angeles Film Festival
October 30 – November 9
Make your California vacation a cultural one with the AFI Los Angeles Film Festival, which now overshadows the Palm Springs and Los Angeles festivals. This year, help pay tribute to acclaimed director Danny Boyle and Academy Award-winning actress Tilda Swinton and treat yourself to a menu of 100 films, including 41 premiers. Los Angeles condo rentals make it easy and cheap to enjoy this surprise-filled event.
Sundance
January 15 – January 29
The star-studded Sundance Film Festival is the largest of its kind in the United States. In 1981, Robert Redford founded the Sundance Institute with the intent to foster independent movie makers. Recently it's been taken over by movers and shakers, though, due to its location at the beautiful Park City Mountain Resort and its long Hollywood guest list. Consider a Utah ski in out condo for your stay here.
Slamdance
January 15 – 23
Slamdance is Sundance’s casual counterpart and saving grace for talented filmmakers snubbed by picky festival programmers. The creators behind Mad Hot Ballroom, Napoleon Dynamite, Memento, and Monster’s Ball found a voice at Slamdance, so it's anybody's guess who will emerge from this year’s festivities.
Berlin Film Festival
February 1 – March 1
The Berlin Film Festival, established in 1951, was Germany’s way of rekindling its artistic and cultural dignity after World War II. Along with Venice and Cannes, Berlin’s festival tops the list.
Tribeca
April 22 – May 3
This recent 2002 addition has become a quick favorite, and with a founder like Robert de Niro and a location like Manhattan, is it really a wonder? Find a New York apartment rental if you want to fully enjoy all that Tribeca has to offer.
Cannes
May 13 – 24
When a film wins the Cannes Golden Palm Award, it means a lot, a whole lot – after all, Cannes is the most well-respected and esteemed film festival in the world. Classics like Apocalypse Now and Taxi Driver began their journeys at this 64-year-old festival, held each year on the French Riviera.
South by Southwest
March 13 – 17
Down-to-earth film buffs who want to shake hands with a few A-listers blend in well at Austin’s South by Southwest Film Festival. Once a music festival, SXSW is now a two-week celebration and conference for professionals and fans of the music, film, and tech industries. Celebrities fed up with the stuffy Sundance vibe love to kick back in Texas' capital, and so do their fans. The doors of many Austin house rentals open for festival-goers each year.
Seattle International Film Festival
May 21 – June 29
This 25-day cinema love fest is for all the hardcore movie geeks out there. Because of the Seattle International Film Festival's record-breaking length, you can expect an eclectic assortment of movies and plenty of opportunity to screen the most buzz-worthy. Which film will win the coveted Golden Space Needle this year?
Venice Film Festival
August 1 – September 30
Venice’s festival has seniority over all the rest, as it’s the world’s oldest. Even Federico Fellini held the Jury’s opinion at the Venice Film Festival in high regard.
Telluride
August 29 – September 1
For the same breathtaking scenery as Sundance, but none of the snobbery, turn to the Telluride Film Festival. Amélie, Sling Blade, Lost in Translation, Finding Neverland, Brokeback Mountain, and Walk the Line all premiered here, making Telluride one of the most influential festivals in the country. Telluride isn’t about winning, though – there are no prizes here – it’s about great movies and great moviegoers.
Toronto International Film Festival
TBA
From global to local, “TIFF” gives the best and brightest up-and-comers a chance to show off their films and makes it easy for regular film-loving folks to participate in the fun. While many North American festivals focus on films made at home, the Toronto International Film Festival is known for bringing a new audience to overseas masterpieces.
Whatever film festival you plan to attend, we've got vacation rentals for you to stay in! Consider Telluride condo rentals, Toronto vacation homes, or Seattle lodging!