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Top 10 Must-Visit Film Festivals and Events for Cinephiles This Fall

Attention, film enthusiasts: While major festivals dominate headlines, fall brings a wealth of under-the-radar cinematic gems worldwide. Our expert-curated top 10 list guides you to these exceptional events, blending premieres, immersive experiences, and film-inspired destinations.

Frights and Fizz Nights; Manchester, England

Horror fans rejoice—Halloween extends beyond tricks and treats with Frights and Fizz Nights, a four-night pop-up cinema (Oct. 28-31) in a secret vaulted "bunker" location revealed just before showtime. Highlights include the classic Halloween and more, paired with themed cocktails, bottomless prosecco, and popcorn. Retreat to the Principal Manchester hotel, featured in the pivotal scene of Hell is a City—one of countless films shot in Manchester.

Zagreb Film Festival; Croatia

Zagreb, familiar from Fiddler on the Roof and From Russia with Love, hosts the Zagreb Film Festival (Nov. 7-17). Iconic venues like the Museum of Contemporary Art, Lauba People and Art House, and Croatian Music Institute screen gems such as Italian Oscar nominee The Traitor and British drama Only You. Catch films at Kaptol Boutique Cinema, sip at its Hollywood bar, and stay at the historic Esplanade Zagreb—Europe’s 2019 Historic Hotel of the Year and a The Great Escape II: The Untold Story location, favored by stars like Liz Taylor.

DOK Leipzig; Germany

One of the world’s oldest documentary festivals since 1955, DOK Leipzig (Oct. 28-Nov. 3) opens with the world premiere of The Forum, profiling the World Economic Forum. Expect Never Whistle Alone on whistleblowers and an “Animation Film Night” with renowned filmmakers. Leipzig/Halle Airport featured in Captain America: Civil War; Leipzig Hauptbahnhof in Obsession and Mr. Nobody. Stay at partner Hotel Michaelis, a restored 19th-century gem centrally located.

Australia Independent Film Festival; Brisbane

Brisbane, a stand-in for Asgard in Thor: Ragnarok and a POW camp in Unbroken, spotlights indie cinema at the Australia Independent Film Festival (Nov. 1-3). Films span global stories, from Japanese woodcarvers to Havana street artists. Adjacent to the blooming botanic gardens (Southern Hemisphere spring), stay at partner Royal on the Park.

Africa International Film Festival; Lagos, Nigeria

Home to Nollywood—the world’s second-largest film industry by output, per The Guardian—Lagos hosts the Africa International Film Festival (Nov. 10-16). Among 150 African films: opener For Sama and closer The Ghost and the House of Truth, plus workshops in cinematography, screenwriting, and acting. Spot stars on Victoria Island at Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel.

Napa Valley Film Festival; Napa, CA

Indulge film, wine, and gourmet passions at the Napa Valley Film Festival (Nov. 13-17). Beyond 75 films like sci-fi I Am Human and The Nomads, savor sommelier-led “Wine Intermissions” from 100+ wineries and Variety’s Film to Table with celebrity panels. Unwind at partner Andaz Napa with stunning fireplaces and views.

MedFilm; Rome

Rome’s oldest festival, MedFilm (Nov. 8-21), celebrates Mediterranean cinema. Explore nearby Cinecittà studios—“Hollywood on the Tiber”—site of Ben-Hur, Cleopatra, Roman Holiday, and Fellini classics like La Dolce Vita. Tour Angels & Demons or Spectre sites, then stay at star-favored St. Regis Rome.

Hawaii International Film Festival; Oahu

Since 1981, the Hawaii International Film Festival (Nov. 6-24) showcases Asia-Pacific cinema, opening with Taika Waititi’s Jojo Rabbit and closing with Weathering With You. Don’t miss Hawaiian short 8:08 - How We Respond. Luxuriate at partner Halekulani, Hawaii’s top hotel, and visit Kualoa Ranch’s Godzilla footprint.

Secret Cinema; Shanghai

UK’s immersive Secret Cinema brings Casino Royale to Shanghai from Nov. 23. Receive mission briefings, aliases, and costumes for interactive spy thrills. Recharge with martinis at the Peace Hotel’s Jazz Bar, partial filming site for Empire of the Sun.

Around the World in 14 Films, Berlin

This annual round-the-world cinematic journey (Nov. 21-30) curates international festival highlights, with introductions by luminaries like Olivier Assayas and post-screening Q&As. Past guests: Vincent Lindon, Andrey Zvyagintsev, Geraldine Chaplin. Stay at iconic Hotel Adlon Kempinski, frequented by Chaplin Sr., Dietrich, and more.

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