If you are a film enthusiast, if you love concerts, or if you simply want to be part of the coolest cultural events in the region, then your place is in Cluj-Napoca between June 12th and 21st!

A Success Story: From the Beginnings to UNESCO Recognition

The history of the Transilvania International Film Festival began in 2002, when the Romanian Film Promotion Association (APFR), led by film director Tudor Giurgiu and film critic Mihai Chirilov, brought this event to life. It is Romania's very first and largest international feature film festival, which has grown into one of the most important cinematic events in the region, already attracting over 100,000 participants to each edition. Over the years, world-class stars have walked the red carpet in Cluj, including Sophia Loren, Alain Delon, Nicolas Cage, and Catherine Deneuve.

The host city of Cluj-Napoca is a vibrant and modern university center with a rich historical past, whose cultural life has always been remarkable. The passion for cinema is nothing new here, as the roots of local film production stretch back to the beginning of the 20th century. In 1913, Jenő Janovics began collaborating with the Paris-based Pathé film house and shot several movies in the city, laying the foundations of the local cinema. Thanks to the prestige brought by TIFF, Cluj-Napoca officially received recognition in 2021 as a member of the global UNESCO "City of Film" network, consolidating its status as the capital of national cinema.

(Source: TIFF)

What to Expect This Year?

Open to both the general public and industry professionals, the festival awaits its visitors this year with an incredible abundance of events: over 250 films will be screened during the ten days, and the program includes cine-concerts, concerts, art exhibitions, and opportunities to meet directors and actors. The Official Competition Section brings to the forefront filmmakers at their debut or second feature film, competing for the festival's coveted grand prize, the Transilvania Trophy.

During the Romanian Film Days (Zilele Filmului Românesc), the best Romanian feature films and documentaries from the past year will be screened, almost always accompanied by Q&A sessions with the audience. Celebrating the multicultural spirit of the city, Hungarian Day highlights the latest films from Hungary and exceptional Transylvanian co-productions. This year's edition is completed by the presence of impressive delegations, offering the public a unique opportunity to meet the guest actors and directors face-to-face.

The Supernova section brings the favorites of major international festivals, while What's Up, Doc? is the space dedicated to creative documentaries. The fusion of music and image is delivered by the stunning cine-concerts, where classic silent films and expressionist masterpieces come to life with a unique live musical accompaniment—performed by a symphonic orchestra or electronic music artists—at the Cluj Napoca National Hungarian Theatre and the Students' Culture House. In addition to visual exhibitions, the festival also hosts industry programs such as Transilvania Pitch Stop or TIFF Toolbox, where young creators can present their projects to international producers.

(Source: TIFF)

Weekend at the Castle

If there is one location that made TIFF famous, it is the Bánffy Castle in Bonțida, located about 30 kilometers from Cluj-Napoca. This historical ensemble transforms during the festival's first weekend into the exclusive weekend residence of TIFF (Weekend la Castel). During the day, the castle's massive park fills with family activities, interactive workshops, and puppet theater.

As the sun sets, the magic of cinema comes to life on the open-air screen set up in front of the castle's majestic facade. The nights at the castle are wrapped up by concerts accompanied by light shows or electronic music parties in the inner courtyard. The festival organizers take care of your comfort: regular buses run between Bonțida and Cluj-Napoca throughout the castle events, so you can easily get there even without a car.

The festival organizers strongly recommend purchasing your tickets online on the tiff.eventbook.ro website or through the official app (TIFF Official APP). If you still prefer to buy them on-site, only four physical ticket sales points will be operating this year throughout the entire festival. If you want to watch as many movies as possible, it is worth purchasing a TIFF Card, which guarantees access to 10 screenings of your choice.

To make the most of these ten days, here are three important tips to keep in mind. First of all, the open-air cinema in Unirii Square (Piața Unirii) is a monumental experience that must not be missed. However, since June evenings in Cluj can cool down quickly and rain is not an uncommon guest, always take a sweater or a rain jacket with you—after sitting on the plastic chairs for two hours, it can get quite chilly! Secondly, you don't need to worry about logistics: the main venues in the city center—Cinema Florin Piersic, Cinema Victoria, Cinema Arta, and Unirii Square—are within walking distance of each other, so you can easily hop from one movie to another. Finally, remember that cultural life doesn't stop after the screenings: TIFF House and the downtown cafes or clubs turn into lively concert venues and festival clubs, offering the best opportunity to discuss the plots of the movies with your friends.

TIFF Unlimited

For those who wish to extend their cinematic experience even after the festival ends, TIFF Unlimited—the streaming platform carefully curated by the organizers—represents the ideal alternative to bring the magic of art-house cinema straight into the comfort of your own home. On this online platform, you will find award-winning and inspirational productions signed by legendary directors such as Éric Rohmer, Agnès Varda, Pedro Almodóvar, Susanne Bier, Lars von Trier, or Michael Haneke, alongside past TIFF hits, exclusive interviews, and free premieres.

Must-See Tourist Attractions in Cluj-Napoca

TIFF doesn't only offer unforgettable experiences in the cinema halls or on the seats in Unirii Square, but also in the city itself. The vibrant yet extremely friendly atmosphere of Cluj provides the perfect backdrop for a cultural recharge. If you have a few free hours between two movies or concerts, it is well worth exploring the city on foot and discovering its most iconic attractions.

The symbol of the city is the centrally located St. Michael's Church. One of the most impressive Gothic buildings in Transylvania rises proudly above Unirii Square, so if you are waiting for the monumental open-air screenings, you will almost certainly enjoy your coffee or chat in its shadow. The church and the Mathias Corvin statue group right next to it are the true emblems of Cluj.

If you want the best panorama of the city after exploring the historic walls, head up to Cetățuia (The Citadel). From the top of the hill, the entire old town center, the winding course of the Someș River, and the lively festival locations unfold before you. It is especially worth coming here at sunset, when the city is bathed in the warm light of the setting sun.

Not far from here, you will find the Firemen's Tower (Turnul Pompierilor), which was recently beautifully restored. This medieval structure now functions as a modern cultural point and observation space, from which you can look at the roofs of Cluj and the central streets from a completely new perspective.

(Source: cluj.info)

Revitalized and vibrant, the Someș riverbank in the Grigorescu area represents the perfect alternative for disconnecting after an intense festival schedule. The area has established itself as a natural relaxation hub in Cluj-Napoca. Here, the modern design of the walkways blends harmoniously with nature, creating the optimal ambiance for those seeking a quiet moment, whether for reading or for a relaxed chat about the day's cinematic productions.

And if you want to discover another facet of modern and lively Cluj, visit Iulius Park. The park on the shores of the lake, located next to the huge shopping center, is a true oasis. Book your accommodation on stayhere.ro to enjoy the lively atmosphere of Cluj-Napoca!