The first "FEST", subtitled "Brave New World", was opened on January 9, 1971, at the Dom Sindikata with a screening of Robert Altman's film "MASH". Conceived as an annual overview of the best films of the season, the International Film Festival "FEST" has grown into one of the most important film events and has become one of the main cultural highlights in the country, nurturing many young generations. What has characterized it throughout the years is the fact that it has been open to cinemas from all over the world and to all relevant authors, as well as films that will not be found in regular cinema distribution. The history of the festival includes numerous great world actors and directors who have been guests of the festival: Marcello Mastroianni, Harvey Keitel, Liv Ullmann, Bernardo Bertolucci, Sophia Loren, Robert De Niro, Antonioni, Johnny Depp, Milos Forman, Catherine Deneuve, Wim Wenders, Abbas Kiarostami, Hannah Schygulla, Raffelson, Schlondorff, Russell, and many others. Since its inception, "FEST" has always had a main program and several accompanying programs, which often exceeded the term "accompanying" with their quality. There were numerous publications, exhibitions, symposiums held during the festival. In 2015, "FEST" became a genuine competitive festival with four competitive selections: Main Competitive Program - International Selection, Serbian Film Program - National Selection, Horizons Program - Subversive and Controversial Films and Films from the Region competing for the Nebojsa Djukelic Award. Another innovation is the introduction of the Belgrade Victor Award for exceptional contribution to the art of film, as well as the Belgrade Victor Award for previous opus.