The Mar del Plata International Film Festival will retain its status within the highest category of film festivals worldwide following the largest reform of the accreditation system of the International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations (FIAPF) since 2007, which has established a new list of 17 events classified as “A-list” festivals. The update aims to provide a clearer map of the festivals with the greatest impact on the film industry and the international festival circuit.

Among the festivals maintaining this distinction is Mar del Plata, the only event in Latin America included in the group, alongside established festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Locarno and San Sebastián. Also included in the list are Shanghai, Cairo, IFFI Goa, Tokyo, Karlovy Vary, Warsaw and Tallinn Black Nights.

The main novelty of the new system is the first-time inclusion of several festivals that had not previously been classified as “A-list,” including the Toronto International Film Festival — which is non-competitive — the Busan International Film Festival, the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, and the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival. With these additions, the classification now brings together both major competitive festivals and specialized events with strong influence within the industry.

FIAPF explained that the distinction is granted to festivals demonstrating the highest international impact, based on data including the number of films submitted, the proportion of non-domestic titles selected, the presence of industry professionals, the media exposure generated for films, and the ability to attract audiences, including figures on ticket sales, screening occupancy rates and audience development strategies.

The reform also officially restores the “A-list” label for festivals, which FIAPF had discontinued two decades ago even though the term continued to be used informally within the industry to refer to the world’s top film festivals.

In addition to the main list, six festivals have joined the FIAPF accreditation program for the first time, bringing the total number of accredited events to 49 festivals in 29 countries. These include Golden Apricot Yerevan in Armenia, Herceg Novi in Montenegro, Festival du Nouveau Cinéma and Hot Docs in Canada, Annecy in France and Spain’s documentary festival Punto de Vista. According to the federation, four additional festivals from under-represented regions are expected to receive accreditation later this year.

The confirmation of Mar del Plata’s “A-list” status comes amid the deterioration currently affecting the festival under its present management. Empty screening rooms and an almost non-existent curatorial vision have become visible features of this period, in sharp contrast with the international recognition the event continues to hold within the global festival circuit. The situation highlights the growing gap between the festival’s historical prestige and the recent reality of its programming and audience engagement.

A-list festivals: