Sofia International Film Festival aims to introduce significant and innovative works in the contemporary world cinema to local audiences, promote regional (Bulgarian and Balkan) cinema to international audiences, as well as to encourage the cooperation between local and international filmmakers. Featured in Variety’s Top 50 of cinema festivals, the event presents Bulgaria to the world as the host one of the important film festivals in Europe and takes place annually in March. Since its creation the director of the festival has been Stefan Kitanov.

Three awards are given out to the International Competition section of the programme; Grand Prix, Special Jury Award and Award for Best Director. Other awards are The Kodak Award for Best Bulgaria Feature Film, Jameson Short Film Award for Best Bulgarian Short Film, Audience Award, Award for Best Balkan Film, FIPRESCI Award, Award for Best Documentary and SOFIA Award which is for outstanding contribution in cinema.