Film Festivals and Cultural Diplomacy: Examining the Role of Global Film Events in International Relations

Abstract

the function of film festivals as cultural diplomacy tools, dissecting the ways in which international cinema events foster mutual understanding and goodwill across nations. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Berlinale, Cannes, and others have grown into major venues for presenting national cinema, encouraging discussion, and boosting soft power. These festivals provide a platform for nations to showcase their cultural identities to the world by bringing together reviewers, audiences, and filmmakers from all around the globe. exploring the ways in which film festivals may play a role in diplomacy by bringing people together from different backgrounds, shaping stories around the world, and encouraging collaboration between nations. It also considers the political and economic ramifications of these festivals, focusing on how they affect international diplomacy and the worldwide cinema industry. In the end, the article shows that film festivals are important because they use cinema's "soft power" to build international connections and promote cultural discourse around the world.