The FIAPF (International Federation of Film Producers Associations) recognition places Sofia IFF in the category which includes Pusan, Sarajevo, and Thessaloniki among others.

Sofia IFF (www.siff.com) is the only Bulgarian film festival recognized by FIAPF since the International Red Cross Film Festival which ended in the 1980's. The recognition comes during the Year of Bulgarian Cinema and the 10 year anniversary of Sofia as an international film festival.

"To be recognized by FIAPF is like playing in the World Championship of Film," says the festival director Stefan Kitanov. "Bulgaria didn't make it in football this year, but after the nomination of a Bulgarian film in the Oscars' shortlist, now a Bulgarian festival will play in the world league."