NexT International Film Festival Bucharest
Romania's second major international film festival, held annually in May in Bucharest, dedicated to debut and second feature films from around the world and new voices in Romanian cinema.
Overview
NexT International Film Festival Bucharest is Romania's second major international film festival and one dedicated specifically to debut and second features. Founded in 2012 and held annually in May in Bucharest, the festival screens approximately 60 films over five days and focuses on discovering new voices in both international and Romanian cinema.
NexT complements the more established Transilvania International Film Festival (TIFF) by operating in Bucharest, the country's capital and largest city, and by focusing specifically on emerging directors. The festival's short format and focused programming create an intimate atmosphere that allows for genuine engagement between filmmakers and audiences.
Romania's extraordinary filmmaking renaissance, which has produced multiple Cannes prize winners since the mid-2000s, continues to generate new talent, and NexT provides a platform specifically designed to identify and celebrate the next generation of Romanian directors.
Key Sections
- International Competition -- debut and second features from around the world
- Romanian Competition -- debut and second features by Romanian directors
- Special Screenings -- curated films outside competition
- Industry Events -- professional meetings for Romanian filmmakers
What Filmmakers Should Know
NexT accepts open submissions for debut and second features. The festival is a strong platform for first-time directors seeking Romanian and Southeast European exposure. The focus on emerging directors means that all competition films are evaluated on equal footing regardless of budget or production origin.
Major Awards
- Best Film Award -- International Competition
- Best Romanian Film -- Romanian Competition
- Audience Award
- Special Jury Prize
Festival History
NexT was founded in 2012 as a dedicated platform for emerging filmmakers in Bucharest. The festival has grown alongside the continued international recognition of Romanian cinema.
See Also
For Romanian cinema, see International Film Markets. For debut feature strategy, see Film Festival Strategy.
