SOFIA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL is the leading film festival in Bulgaria. It began in 1997 and attracts more than 85 000 spectators annually. The festival aims to promote important and innovative works of modern world cinema to local audiences and regional Bulgarian and Balkan cinema to international audiences, as well as to encourage cooperation between local and international filmmakers. Since 2003 the festival has International Competition for first and second films and is included in the FIPRESCI calendar. Since 2009 there is International documentary competition. In 2007 Variety placed Sofia IFF among the Top 50 world unmissable film events. In 2010 Sofia IFF was accredited by FIAPF as a competitive specialized feature film festival and became the only Bulgarian film festival recognized by FIAPF nowadays.The 21st SOFIA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL will be held from 9 until 19 March 2017 in Sofia with an additional programme until the end of March and ONLINE edition - Sofia IFF ONLINE. The festival will present more than 200 films – feature films, documentaries and short films. Beside the main programme of screenings there are many special events targeting different niche audiences and creating the ambience and educational initiatives. There are also satelite events in the 3 biggest towns. There are special programmes for Young audience: Sofia Film Fest for students and Sofia Film Fest for Children.