Film festivals and industry events in August
5 European events run in August, from festivals with an industry strand to co-production markets and trade shows. Dates move between editions, so confirm on the organiser's own site before booking travel.
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF)
Film festival
Long-running festival for independent cinema, held each August alongside Edinburgh's other festivals (79th edition ran 13 to 19 August 2026).
For the industry: EIFF Industry programme with accreditation; BAFTA and BIFA qualifying festival.
Submissions: FilmFreeway · 2026 edition: submissions opened 6 January 2026 with a final deadline of 17 April 2026; 2027 not yet published
Edinburgh TV Festival
Industry conference
The UK television industry's annual conference, held each August at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre; organisers announced in June 2026 that it will relocate to Manchester in 2027 after 50 years in Edinburgh.
For the industry: Delegate conference with sessions and debate on the television business, plus the TV Foundation's talent schemes.
Locarno Film Festival
Film festival
Swiss festival of auteur and emerging cinema, known for its open-air Piazza Grande screenings for 8,000 spectators.
Sarajevo Film Festival
Film festival
The leading festival of Southeast Europe, presenting regional competition programmes and international premieres each August.
For the industry: CineLink Industry Days with the CineLink co-production market, presenting about ten regional feature projects a year.
Submissions: Eventival (separate application per film, submission fee)
Venice International Film Festival (La Biennale di Venezia)
Film festival
The world's oldest film festival, held on the Lido with the Competition, Orizzonti, Venice Immersive and Venice Classics sections.
Next edition: 2 to 12 September 2026 (83rd edition)
For the industry: Venice Production Bridge industry programme, including the Venice Immersive Market (3 to 9 September 2026) and Meet the Streamers sessions (6 to 7 September 2026).
Submissions: Own online pre-selection entry form on labiennale.org (registration fee)