FIAPF was founded as early as 1933, and today it includes 34 associations from 29 countries. In addition to “licensing” festivals, FIAPF’s sphere of interest includes issues related to the regulation and management of processes in the film and television industry: the modernization of legislation on copyright, anti-piracy, the introduction of digital technology, standardization, work with the media, etc.
FIAPF accreditation is associated with the concept of “Class A” festivals (i.e. the most famous, status events), which has already become conditional, but still persists in the journalistic vocabulary. The term implies that these festivals take place in countries with a long tradition of cinematography, with a non-specialized competition of at least 12 feature-length films (usually premieres and not participating in other international film festivals) from various countries, an international jury and official support from the state level. There can be no more than one Class A festival in any one country.