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Cannes has the yachts, sundance the ski chalets, Berlin the tormented critics. But if you're bored of those usual suspects, consider the continuous and colorful calendar of specialized screen festivals that take place in Asia. South Korea's Pusan International Film Festival — held in a port once known more for cuttlefish than cinematography — has won a permanent place of prestige in the global film industry's annual circuit of stars and schmoozers. There are plenty more below the radar, however, advancing good causes and, from time to time, good work. Here's a roundup of a half-dozen events that may be short on glamour but have atmosphere to spare.

PURI, INDIA
Bring Your Own Film Festival
A beach in India's Orissa state is hardly the French Riviera, but this alternative gathering of barefoot filmmakers has managed to stagger through to its ninth year. While the Pink House Hotel is the official venue, screenings and happenings are also held in outdoor tents. As the name implies, BYOFF is an all-embracing affair: for a small registration fee, anyone can submit a movie, in any format and about pretty much anything, and there are no juries or awards. At the time of writing we were unable to confirm dates for the 2010 meet, and the festival's website had been down for days. But that's the kind of free-spirited, anarchic organization you're dealing with.

BUCHEON, SOUTH KOREA
Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival
For 10 days in July, this nondescript Seoul suburb becomes the nerd capital of the Asia-Pacific region. Fantasy films (particularly Asian work) and animé make up the great majority of the program, although in the past special sections have been devoted to things like Italian horror and Fritz Lang. Like your movies with lots of slashing, burning and jousting? Then PiFan is for you. Visit pifan.com.

PYONGYANG, NORTH KOREA
Pyongyang International Film Festival
An outgrowth of nonaligned propaganda, this biennial event, set to return in September 2010, is the best opportunity for filmmakers to make their mark on the Hermit Kingdom (supposedly with the blessing of No. 1 movie fan Kim Jong Il). Festivalgoers may be closely monitored, with ceremonies fronted by cheerleading Kimettes, but filmmaker Nick Bonner, whose Koryo Tours helps organize the festival and foreign guests, says "the impact is stunning" — as when masses of North Koreans crowded to view Bend it Like Beckham. See pyongyanginternationalfilmfestival.com.

TOKYO, JAPAN
CON-CAN Movie Festival
This is an online festival instead of a bricks-and-mortar event, but in almost every other respect CON-CAN (the name is formed from the Japanese words meaning "soul" and "true appreciation") is the same as any other film gathering. There are rigorous standards of entry, and both audience voters as well as a prestigious jury. Prizes are handed out at an annual, actual awards night in Tokyo, where CON-CAN is headquartered. Movies, archives and more can be seen at en.con-can.com.

KATHMANDU, NEPAL
Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival
This unique biennial amalgam, sponsored by the Himal Association, showcases films about "mountains, mountain environments, mountain cultures and communities from various corners of the world," accompanied by discussion forums and exhibitions. Works at the sixth festival, being held Dec. 11-15, come from as far afield as Afghanistan, Peru, Croatia and Switzerland. After screenings in Kathmandu, the films are taken on the road for a tour of Nepalese cities and towns. Details at kimff.org.

HIROSHIMA, JAPAN
Hiroshima International Animation Festival
Isn't the site of a-bomb destruction perfect for serious cartooning's regeneration of the human imagination? Pioneered in 1985 by distinguished, married animators Renzo and Sayoko Kinoshita, this biennial event features retrospectives, workshops, and work by Oscar winners and nominees among others. The 2010 festival will be held Aug. 7-11. See hiroanim.org.

• John Krich
• Cannes? Venice? No, we're talking about Puri, Pyongyang and other offbeat gems