The first Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) was organized by Jonathan Forman and presented April 13 - June 2, 1977. Eight films from seven countries were shown at the Cedar Lee Theatre in Cleveland Heights over an eight-week period. Developed as a subscription series, the first CIFF received substantial media attention and attendance indicated that Clevelanders wanted a broader schedule.

By its third year, the CIFF had grown to include feature films from around the world, children's films, retrospectives, and short subjects. A Board of Trustees - consisting of community leaders, film scholars, and film enthusiasts — was assembled to oversee the mission, funding, and growth of the CIFF.

By its fifth year, the CIFF had developed a network of screening locations, establishing itself within the Greater Cleveland arts community as an eagerly awaited annual event. Fundraising was enhanced through the generosity of The George Gund Foundation and The Cleveland Foundation, and educational efforts were strengthened as a result. In 1986 the CIFF moved its Opening Night from the Cedar Lee Theatre to the Ohio Theatre in Playhouse Square, adding to the excitement and appeal of the event. Guest filmmakers regularly attended the Film Festival to introduce their films and answer audience questions. And a fall program of international films became an annual part of the organization's presentations for a number of years.

In January 1991, the Board of Trustees voted to move the Film Festival from the Cedar Lee Theatre to Tower City Cinemas in downtown Cleveland, making the event more accessible to film lovers from throughout the region. During its first year downtown, the Festival's attendance (14,000) fell slightly. But by 1995 attendance had grown to 23,000. And in 1998 the Festival experienced an attendance jump of 16%, resulting in 32,000 admissions.

Since the 27th CIFF in 2003, admissions have risen by 104% with 71,554 in attendance at the 34th CIFF in 2010 (a 7% increase over the 33rd CIFF in 2009). The Festival continues to grow in every capacity with increases in the number of staff, volunteers, guest filmmakers, community and regional partners, theaters, and films.

Types of Programs Offered
The Cleveland International Film Festival is the premier film event between New York and Chicago. Today's CIFF includes a full survey of contemporary international filmmaking with approximately 150 feature films and 150 short subject films from over 60 countries. Along with the main program of international films, there are special sidebars that add interest and diversity to the overall Festival. In recent years these have included 10% Cinema (gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender themes), American Independents, Cinema en Español, Family Films, Film Is Art, Illuminating Hope(films that celebrate the human experience), It's Easy Being Green (films about environmental issues), Jewish and Israeli Visions, Local Heroes (films with local ties), Music! Movies!, Pacific Pearls, Pan-African Images, Standing Up (films with a conscience that address social justice and activism), Tour of Duty (films that explore conflict - the lessons learned and the desire for resolution), and Women of the World.

Audiences are further integrated into the film experience and the community at large with the CIFF program After the Credits Roll. This program utilizes the films in the Standing Up Competition as a platform to engage audiences by: (1) presenting a FilmForum (moderated panel discussions with filmmakers and other special guests) for many of the films in the competition; (2) creating Lights! Camera! Action Steps! materials that provide audiences with the tools and information on how to get involved once the film ends; (3) arranging Cinema Synergy partnerships for those films that have community partners, media partners, sponsors, and guest filmmakers; and (4) extending the CIFF's reach through social media and with the assistance of our college and university ambassadors.

Another educational program is FilmSlam - the CIFF's Film Festival for high school students. It is held on weekday mornings during the CIFF. At the 34th CIFF in March 2010, over 5,000 students from Northeast Ohio schools participated in FilmSlam. In addition to viewing films, they met with visiting filmmakers and other special guest speakers.

Film (and Other) Arts Feasts
Beginning in October and running through February, the Cleveland International Film Festival hosts a series of parties, soirees, and gatherings to celebrate all that is film and art in Cleveland. These Film Feast events generate excitement and support for the organization and the upcoming Festival.