BUFF Malmö Film Festival Establishes Its First FIPRESCI Jury

In its upcoming edition, taking place from March 7–13, 2026, BUFF Malmö Film Festival will welcome a FIPRESCI Jury for the first time, marking a new collaboration between the International Federation of Film Critics and one of Europe’s leading platforms for children’s and youth cinema. This new partnership was made possible with the support of the European Children’s Film Association (ECFA), of which BUFF Malmö Film Festival is a member.

Founded in 1984, BUFF Malmö Film Festival is an international festival dedicated to films for children and young audiences and has long been the most important showcase for this field in the Nordic region. With its strong emphasis on artistic quality, diversity of voices, and thoughtful engagement with young viewers, BUFF has established itself as a vital meeting point for filmmakers, educators, and audiences interested in cinema as a cultural and social experience.

FIPRESCI has consistently underlined the importance of cinema for children and young people as an essential space for imagination, dialogue, and critical reflection. In response to growing interest among its members, the Federation has actively sought to expand its presence in this field, offering critics greater opportunities to engage with the evolving landscape of children’s cinema. BUFF Malmö stood out as a natural partner due to its long-standing commitment to quality programming, its focus on sustainability and education, and its role in fostering meaningful dialogue between films, audiences, and society.

This new jury also represents an important strategic step for FIPRESCI in strengthening its activities in the Nordic region. The Federation is proud of its long tradition of uniting film critics from Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland, and this collaboration aims to further support local critics while enhancing international exchange within the region’s dynamic cinematic landscape.

The FIPRESCI Jury at BUFF Malmö Film Festival 2026 will award a prize to a film from the program, highlighting works that demonstrate outstanding artistic merit and resonate with the values of children’s and youth cinema.

©FIPRESCI 2026