The journal aims not to be just a scholarly journal, but a new breed of film magazine, mixing established academic film scholars (and other scholars) with renowned film journalists, trying to reach a wider circle of readers.
The journal recruits contributors with international renown from all around the world, including John Baxter, John Belton, Paul Buhle, Stanley Cavell, Evans Chan, Steven Chibnall, John R Cook, Nicholas J Cull, David Bordwell, Arthur M Eckstein, Tag Gallagher, Barry K Grant, Jan-Christopher Horak, I Q Hunter, Marian Keane, Jon Lewis, Richard Lippe, Patrick McGilligan, Xavier Mendik, Toby Miller, Robert Murphy, Dana Polan, Steven J Ross, William Rothman, Linda Williams, Robin Wood, Rochelle Wright...
The main focus is on longer essays with in-depth-analysis and interviews. However, there is also an extensive review section on books, DVDs and films at the cinema. Film International is included in the Index of International Publications on Film & TV by La Fédération Internationale des Archives du Film (FIAF).