The first "FEST", subtitled "Brave New World", opened on January 9, 1971, at the Dom Sindikata, with a projection of the film "MASH" by Robert Altman. Conceived as an annual overview of the best films of the season, the International Film Festival "FEST" has grown into one of the most significant film festivals and has become one of the main events in the country's cultural life, where many young generations have grown up. What has distinguished it throughout the years is the fact that it has been widely open to all cinemas of the world, and to all relevant authors, as well as films that will not be found in cinema repertoire. 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, Sofia Loren, Robert De Niro, Antonioni, Johnny Depp, Milos Forman, Catherine Deneuve, Wim Wenders, Abbas Kiarostami, Hannah Schygulla, Rafelson, Schlöndorff, Russell and many others. Since its inception, "FEST" has always had a main program and several accompanying programs, which often exceeded the name "accompanying" in terms of their quality. Accompanying programs also included numerous publications, exhibitions, symposia held during the festival. In 2015, "FEST" becomes a true competitive festival with four competitive selections: Main Competition Program - international selection, Serbian Film Program - national selection, Horizons Program - subversive and controversial films and films from the region competing for the Nebojša Đukelić Award. Another innovation is the introduction of the Belgrade Victor Award for exceptional contribution to the film art, as well as the Belgrade Victor Award for previous accomplishments.

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