Mela
Transilvania International Film Festival
Arts and film

Transilvania International Film Festival

Festivalul internațional de film Transilvania

Romania’s leading celebration of international and independent cinema

Photo: Federico Gatto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Transilvania International Film Festival (TIFF) is Romania’s foremost international feature film festival, held each year in Cluj-Napoca. Since its founding in 2002, TIFF has become a major event for filmmakers and audiences, showcasing innovative films and fostering new talent every June.

Drawn for Mela from this festival's own symbols.
  • Held annually in Cluj-Napoca, Romania
  • Focuses on first and second feature films
  • Screenings in 20 venues, including outdoor spaces
  • Hosts educational projects for youth
  • Awards the Transylvania Trophy

What it is

The Transilvania International Film Festival is a vibrant annual gathering dedicated to celebrating the art of cinema in Romania. As the country’s first international feature film festival, TIFF brings together filmmakers, industry professionals, and film lovers from around the world in the historic city of Cluj-Napoca. The festival is known for its focus on originality and independent expression, with a competition highlighting first and second feature films. It serves as a platform for emerging voices, while also honoring established figures in European and world cinema.

Where it comes from

TIFF was established in 2002 by the Romanian Film Promotion, marking a significant moment for Romania’s film culture. It was the first festival in the country to host an international competition for feature films. Over the years, TIFF has grown in stature, gaining accreditation from the FIAPF in 2011 as a competitive festival specializing in first and second features. The festival has expanded its presence to other Romanian cities such as Sibiu and Oradea, and has become a hub for both local and international filmmakers.

How it is celebrated

During TIFF, Cluj-Napoca transforms into a cinematic hub, with screenings held in around 20 venues, including outdoor and unconventional spaces. The festival features a diverse program of films that reflect current trends and innovative storytelling. Alongside the main competition, TIFF offers educational projects for children and teenagers, such as EducaTIFF and Let's Go Digital!, which provide hands-on filmmaking experiences. Industry events, masterclasses, and workshops bring together professionals for networking and learning. The festival also presents awards like the Transylvania Trophy and the Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating both new and established talents.

Joining in

Visitors to TIFF can expect a lively atmosphere throughout Cluj-Napoca, with screenings, workshops, and special events taking place across the city. Many venues are open to the public, and the festival’s outdoor screenings offer a unique way to experience films under the Transylvanian sky. Whether you are a film enthusiast or a newcomer, the festival’s welcoming spirit and diverse programming make it easy to join in and discover the latest in international cinema.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Transilvania International Film Festival, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.

A week of festivals, in one email

Every Thursday: what the world is celebrating over the next seven days, and where.