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IFFR actively supports new and adventurous
filmmaking talent through its co-productionmarket
CineMart, its Hubert Bals Fund, Rotterdam Lab
and other Industry activities.
IFFR is one of the largest audience and industry-
driven film festivals in the world. During twelve
festival days, hundreds of filmmakers and other
artists present their work to a large audience (2014:
287,000 admissions) and 2,400 film professionals.
The festival’s Official Selection includes some
220 feature films and 320 short films out of 60
countries. It aims to organise and stimulate film-
related activities in Rotterdam.
Short historic profile
Famously, seventeen people attended the opening
night of the first Film International Rotterdam on
28 June 1972. An initiative of the Rotterdam Arts
Foundation, Film International (later International
Film Festival Rotterdam) showcased films
purchased for distribution to the newly established
circuit of art house cinemas in the Netherlands. A
driving force, famous figurehead and inspirational
director until his early death in 1988, Hubert
Bals gave the festival its solid reputation of
commitment to and active support of independent
cinema as well as of a welcoming meeting place
for filmmakers, audiences, film professionals and
film critics. Under the subsequent directorships of
Anne Head (1989), Marco Müller (1990-1991),
Emile Fallaux (1992-1996), Simon Field (1996-
2004), Sandra den Hamer (2000-2007) and Rutger
Wolfson (2008-present), IFFR grew to become one
of the largest audience and industry-driven film
festivals in the world, while maintaining its focus
on innovative filmmaking by talented newcomers
and established auteurs as well as on presenting
cutting edge media art.
IFFR’s programme: Highlighting
the outstanding and exceptional
International Film Festival Rotterdam emphasises
diversity in its filmprogramming and has no overall
theme. The festival programme consists of two
competitions and three non-competitive sections,
and includes works supported by IFFR’s Hubert
Bals Fund or launched as projects at CineMart:
Hivos Tiger Awards Competition: The prestigious
Hivos Tiger Awards Competition is IFFR’s
centrepiece. Around fifteen first or second feature
filmmakers compete for a trophy, €15,000 and last
but not least international recognition. Just the fact
that a film has been nominated for the competition
inRotterdamguarantees the necessary international
attention.
Tiger Awards Competition for Short Films: Next
to the festival’s Hivos Tiger Awards Competition
the short films have their own competition. What
differentiates this from the Hivos Tiger Awards
Competition is the fact that it is not just for young
and upcoming talents; all filmmakers have a
chance at winning.
Bright Future: Presents idiosyncratic and
adventurous new work by novice makers. The
section consists of first or second feature films
only. As of IFFR 2015, there will be a distinction
within Bright Future between the premieres (films
receiving their world or international premieres in
Rotterdam) and a selection of highlights fromother
festivals.
Spectrum: Comprises new and recent feature
length work by experienced filmmakers and
artists who provide, in the opinion of IFFR, an
essential contribution to international film culture.
Within Spectrum, Spectrum: Shorts presents some
200 recent short films, covering a broad area of
fictional, documentary and experimental works of
up to 60 minutes. As of IFFR 2015, there will be a
distinction within Spectrum between the premieres
(films receiving their world or international
premieres in Rotterdam) and a selection of
highlights from other festivals.
Limelight is a new section as of IFFR 2015 and
consists of a selection of thirty films made up
of new, original and striking films by talented
directors of contemporary cinema which are set to
be released in cinemas across the Netherlands after
IFFR.
Signals: Presents a series of thematic programmes
and retrospectives offering insight in topical as well
as timeless ideas within cinema.
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The Dark Horse
