history.

The 1st Festival of Festivals took place in Aarhus, Denmark, in 1997, as a result of a local initiative to present some of the finest short and documentary films that had won prizes at various international film festivals. From the very start, another goal of the festival has been to provide a showcase for regional productions made by non-professional filmmakers.

Over the years, the Festival of Festivals has established itself as a popular film event drawing attention to the short and documentary genres – and large audiences into the movie theaters.

In 2001 the 4th Festival of Festivals was a part of the 12th Nordisk Panorama – 5 Cities Film Festival, which was held in Aarhus. On that occasion, the association Festival of Festivals managed the practical organization of what was in fact a double festival. The festival organisation continues to take part in the 5 Cities network taking turns organising the annual Nordisk Panorama - 5 Cities Film Festival, a Nordic festival initiated by Filmkontakt Nord.

In 2002 the Festival of Festivals was back in its 'familiar' shape presenting for the fifth time a series of international prize-winning shorts and documentaries, regional productions, seminars, special programmes, and other events. In 2003 the festival changed it´s name to Aarhus Filmfestival.

From 2008, the festival ceased to present exclusively awarded films. The profile was re-thought and programming sharpened to focus on experimental and innovative short films and documentaries on global issues.