Geneva International Film Festival

View on map
Arts & CultureGeneva
Dates30 October–8 November 2026Confirmed listing
Duration10 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsWhat distinguishes GIFF from most film
LanguageFrench, German, Italian, and RomanshCurrency: CHF
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Geneva International Film Festival in Geneva

Founded in 1995, the Geneva International Film Festival programs feature films alongside virtual reality and interactive works across roughly ten days each late October and November. Its focus on the intersection of cinema and digital storytelling, combined with venues spread across the city, sets it apart from Geneva's other film festivals held earlier in the year.

The Geneva International Film Festival, founded in 1995, has built its identity around the meeting point of cinema and newer forms of visual storytelling, programming feature films alongside virtual reality works, interactive projects, and industry talks that place it apart from more conventional festivals focused solely on traditional theatrical releases.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

What distinguishes GIFF from most film festivals is its deliberate inclusion of virtual reality and interactive media alongside conventional feature screenings, positioning it as a festival about the future of visual storytelling as much as a showcase of finished films

02

The mystery stays covered

Its multi-venue structure across Geneva reflects the city's role as an international hub, with programming that draws on the perspectives of its large international community

03

The city starts moving

Held in late October and into November, its timing gives Geneva a third distinct film event on the annual calendar, separate in season, focus, and audience from the city's spring human rights film festival and its January independent cinema festival

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

GIFF's pairing of a conventional screening program with an immersive

Water and renewal

Living ritual

VR-focused strand has become the festival's signature format

The sacred route

Living ritual

distinguishing it within the wider European festival circuit

The local code

Living ritual

Post-screening conversations with directors and industry guests remain a consistent fixture

Tradition 5

Living ritual

giving the festival an ongoing dialogue between finished films and the emerging formats featured in its interactive program

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

30 October–8 November 2026

Getting around

Stay close enough to the part of Geneva you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.

What to wear

This is a spectator festival, not a physical or outdoor event, so comfortable smart-casual clothing works throughout; layer for Geneva's late-October chill when moving between venues, and...

Safety

At Geneva International Film Festival, agree on a meeting point and plan food, water and the return route before crowds thicken.

Where to stay

Base yourself where the last trip of the day stays easy, especially if Geneva International Film Festival runs late.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

CHF

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map46.20 N, 6.15 EOpen in Google Maps

Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

Nearest airportGVA — Geneva
TransportStay close enough to the part of Geneva you will actually use, especially if the event runs late.
Stay areaBase yourself where the last trip of the day stays easy, especially if Geneva International Film Festival runs late.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Geneva via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Geneva, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for October.Compare faresFestival gearThis is a spectator festival, not a physical or outdoor event, so comfortable smart-casual clothing works throughout; layer for Geneva's late-October chill when moving between venues, and wear shoes suited to walking between multiple screening locations across the city.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Switzerland and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

We may earn a small commission from trusted travel partners at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Geneva International Film Festival?

Geneva International Film Festival is listed for 30 October–8 November 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Geneva International Film Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Geneva, Switzerland. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

10 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLgiff.ch
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed dates30 October–8 November 2026
Source statusOfficial source linked
Related festivals

Continue the route.

Photo pending

Buenos Aires International Book Fair

Past edition: 23 April–11 May 2026

Buenos Aires, Argentina
Photo pending

Cairo International Book Fair

Past edition: 21 January–3 February 2026

Cairo, Egypt
Photo pending

Pageant of the Masters

Not represented as one continuous festival occurrence

Laguna Beach, United States
Photo pending

Annecy International Animation Film Festival

Past edition: 8–14 June 2025

Annecy, France

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →