The first "FEST", subtitled "Brave New World", was opened on January 9, 1971 at the House of Syndicate with the projection of the film "MASH" directed by Robert Altman. Conceived as an annual selection of the best films of the season, the International Film Festival "FEST" has grown into one of the most significant film events and has become one of the main cultural events in the country, with many young generations growing up with it. What has characterized it all these years is the fact that it has been open to all cinemas of the world and to all relevant authors, as well as to films that will not be on the cinema repertoire. The festival's history is marked by numerous great world actors and directors who have been guests of the festival: Marcello Mastroianni, Harvey Keitel, Liv Ullmann, Bernardo Bertolucci, Sofia Loren, Robert De Niro, Antonioni, Johnny Depp, Milos Forman, Catherine Deneuve, Wim Wenders, Abbas Kiarostami, Hanna Schygulla, Rafelson, Schlondorff, Russell, and many others. Since its inception, "FEST" has always had a main program and several accompanying programs, which often exceeded the title of "accompanying" with their quality. There were also numerous publications, exhibitions, symposia held during the festival. In 2015, "FEST" became a true competitive festival with four competition selections: Main Competition Program - international selection, Serbian Film Program - national selection, Horizons Program - subversive and controversial films and films from the region that compete for the Nebojša Đukelić Award. Another novelty is the introduction of the Belgrade Victor Award for outstanding contribution to film art, as well as the Belgrade Victor Award for previous work.

You can find the program on the organizer's website: www.fest.rs, www.arenacineplex.com