Agnieszka Holland’s “Green Border” won the audience award at the 53rd edition of International Film Festival Rotterdam in a strong year for the event, which recorded 253,500 visits across its programs.
Holland’s Venice Jury Prize-winner derives its name from the swampy forests found at the border between Poland and Belarus, a perilous place where hundreds of migrants — mostly from the Middle East and Africa — try to make their way into the European Union. “Green Border” chronicles the intertwined lives of people caught in the geopolitical webs of the crossing and joins several of Holland’s films to have played at IFFR, including “Europa Europa” and “Burning Bush.”
This year’s edition of the festival, which took place between Jan. 25 – Feb. 4, featured 424 films, 183 of which were world premieres, plus accompanying programs including Art Directions and IFFR Talks. As part of the Talks program, the festival welcomed names such as Sandra Hüller,...
Holland’s Venice Jury Prize-winner derives its name from the swampy forests found at the border between Poland and Belarus, a perilous place where hundreds of migrants — mostly from the Middle East and Africa — try to make their way into the European Union. “Green Border” chronicles the intertwined lives of people caught in the geopolitical webs of the crossing and joins several of Holland’s films to have played at IFFR, including “Europa Europa” and “Burning Bush.”
This year’s edition of the festival, which took place between Jan. 25 – Feb. 4, featured 424 films, 183 of which were world premieres, plus accompanying programs including Art Directions and IFFR Talks. As part of the Talks program, the festival welcomed names such as Sandra Hüller,...
- 2/5/2024
- by Rafa Sales Ross
- Variety Film + TV
Green Border, Agnieszka Holland’s harrowing tale of refugees caught in the wooded boundary between Belarus and Poland, won the Audience Award at this year’s Rotterdam Film Festival, which wrapped up Sunday.
Japanese director Tanaka Toshihiko won Rotterdam’s coveted Tiger Award for best competition film for his debut Rei, a drama exploring human relationships made almost entirely with a cast and crew of mostly nonprofessionals and students. The Iranian drama The Old Bachelor, from director Oktay Baraheni, won Rotterdam’s Vpro Big Screen Award.
The Fipresci Award, handed out by international film critics, went to Kiss Wagon from the Indian director Midhun Murali.
Judged by the audience’s response, Rotterdam 2024 was a resounding success, with the festival reporting more than a quarter of a million viewers over its 11-day program, which included the screening of 424 films and artist discussions with the likes of Oscar contender Sandra Hüller (Anatomy...
Japanese director Tanaka Toshihiko won Rotterdam’s coveted Tiger Award for best competition film for his debut Rei, a drama exploring human relationships made almost entirely with a cast and crew of mostly nonprofessionals and students. The Iranian drama The Old Bachelor, from director Oktay Baraheni, won Rotterdam’s Vpro Big Screen Award.
The Fipresci Award, handed out by international film critics, went to Kiss Wagon from the Indian director Midhun Murali.
Judged by the audience’s response, Rotterdam 2024 was a resounding success, with the festival reporting more than a quarter of a million viewers over its 11-day program, which included the screening of 424 films and artist discussions with the likes of Oscar contender Sandra Hüller (Anatomy...
- 2/5/2024
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Agnieszka Holland’s Green Border won the audience award of the 2024 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR).
It was the final award presented at this year’s festival which ran January 25-February 4. Green Border follows a group of people caught in the Belarus–European Union border crisis. It premiered at Venice last year where it won the special jury prize. However, it was condemned by some politicians in Holland’s native Poland, causing a public outcry.
Last year’s audience award went to Dalva, a debut feature by Emmanuelle Nicot.
The festival’s main awards were handed out on Friday, with...
It was the final award presented at this year’s festival which ran January 25-February 4. Green Border follows a group of people caught in the Belarus–European Union border crisis. It premiered at Venice last year where it won the special jury prize. However, it was condemned by some politicians in Holland’s native Poland, causing a public outcry.
Last year’s audience award went to Dalva, a debut feature by Emmanuelle Nicot.
The festival’s main awards were handed out on Friday, with...
- 2/5/2024
- ScreenDaily
Closing this year’s International Film Festival Rotterdam, M. Raihan Halim’s “La Luna” pushes the boundaries of Malay-language comedy by chronicling the changes brought by the opening of a lingerie shop in a conservative rural community in Malaysia.
Titled after the eponymous shop, the film follows a rebellious woman who opens the lingerie parlour not only to teach local women about their sexuality but also to provide a haven for those who might be struggling under the hands of controlling — and often violent — husbands and fathers. Despite the prodding of such complicated political and religious issues, “La Luna” still plays as a classic uplifting comedy about the importance of community.
The film is based on a true story about a lingerie shop that burned down in Qatar’s capital of Doha, but Halim tells Variety he knew he had to set the film in an environment he was familiar with.
Titled after the eponymous shop, the film follows a rebellious woman who opens the lingerie parlour not only to teach local women about their sexuality but also to provide a haven for those who might be struggling under the hands of controlling — and often violent — husbands and fathers. Despite the prodding of such complicated political and religious issues, “La Luna” still plays as a classic uplifting comedy about the importance of community.
The film is based on a true story about a lingerie shop that burned down in Qatar’s capital of Doha, but Halim tells Variety he knew he had to set the film in an environment he was familiar with.
- 2/3/2024
- by Rafa Sales Ross
- Variety Film + TV
Marco Bellocchio has ruffled some feathers over the years – starting with his feature debut “Fists in the Pocket.”
“I do remember that people were shocked about me making a film, in Italy, about a son killing his mother. They were surprised and I don’t know why. I thought it was a good idea – from a dramatic point of view,” he said at International Film Festival Rotterdam during a talk with festival director Vanja Kaludjercic.
While his colleague Bernardo Bertolucci found himself in even bigger trouble – “They wanted to burn the negative of ‘The Last Tango in Paris,’ which was absurd! I had issues, but not as big as this one” – “Fists in the Pocket” still angered many. Including Luis Buñuel.
“He is perceived as this great surrealist, a revolutionary, but he was a conservative moralist. He couldn’t believe this angry young man was so bitter against his mother.
“I do remember that people were shocked about me making a film, in Italy, about a son killing his mother. They were surprised and I don’t know why. I thought it was a good idea – from a dramatic point of view,” he said at International Film Festival Rotterdam during a talk with festival director Vanja Kaludjercic.
While his colleague Bernardo Bertolucci found himself in even bigger trouble – “They wanted to burn the negative of ‘The Last Tango in Paris,’ which was absurd! I had issues, but not as big as this one” – “Fists in the Pocket” still angered many. Including Luis Buñuel.
“He is perceived as this great surrealist, a revolutionary, but he was a conservative moralist. He couldn’t believe this angry young man was so bitter against his mother.
- 1/29/2024
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Vanja Kaludjercic, festival director of the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) made an impassioned opening-night speech that broached how film festivals can make space for emotional and complex conversations about geo-politics, ahead of the gala screening of Jonathan Ogilvie’s New Zealand comedy drama Head South.
“The Israeli invasion of Gaza has joined headlines of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and become the cause of heated and often incandescent and immovable opinions, with furious expression of convictions, hurled with vitriol on social media and in the pages of quality newspapers alike,” said Kaludjercic.
“Whether it’s this or that. Choose.
“The Israeli invasion of Gaza has joined headlines of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and become the cause of heated and often incandescent and immovable opinions, with furious expression of convictions, hurled with vitriol on social media and in the pages of quality newspapers alike,” said Kaludjercic.
“Whether it’s this or that. Choose.
- 1/26/2024
- ScreenDaily
The International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) opens this evening with New Zealand director Jonathan Olgilvie’s coming-of-age tale Head South set against the late 1970s, post-punk music culture of his home city of Christchurch.
IFFR previously selected Olgilvie’s sci-fi thriller Lone Wolf for its Big Screen Competition in 2021.
“It’s the first time we’re going to meet him in person because it was during Corona,” says IFFR Artistic Director Vanja Kaludjercic of the first selection.
“When you put the two films side by side, you ask how can one filmmaker make two such different films,” she adds. “We really admire his creativity and ingenuity.”
Over the course of the next 10 days, Rotterdam will screen some 440 works.
The Main Competition for this 53rd edition is characteristically diverse.
The 14 features in the running for the main Tiger Award include Brooklyn-based filmmaker Madeleine Hunt-Ehrlich’s The Ballad of Suzanne Césaire, exploring the life of the titular,...
IFFR previously selected Olgilvie’s sci-fi thriller Lone Wolf for its Big Screen Competition in 2021.
“It’s the first time we’re going to meet him in person because it was during Corona,” says IFFR Artistic Director Vanja Kaludjercic of the first selection.
“When you put the two films side by side, you ask how can one filmmaker make two such different films,” she adds. “We really admire his creativity and ingenuity.”
Over the course of the next 10 days, Rotterdam will screen some 440 works.
The Main Competition for this 53rd edition is characteristically diverse.
The 14 features in the running for the main Tiger Award include Brooklyn-based filmmaker Madeleine Hunt-Ehrlich’s The Ballad of Suzanne Césaire, exploring the life of the titular,...
- 1/25/2024
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
A Moldovan-Romanian directorial debut and a documentary from Azerbaijan won the top prizes at this year’s When East Meets West (Wemw) co-production forum, which was held in the Italian city of Trieste from January 21-24.
Moldovan director Dragos Turea’s debut feature Lenin’s Pawn won the €5,000 Film Center Serbia Award. A joint production by Moldova’s Parmis Film and Romania’s Project Um, Lenin’s Pawn follows a Moldovan actor struggling between his nation’s Soviet past and its European aspirations as he attempts to dismantle Lenin’s monuments.
Lala Aliyeva’s documentary Strange Sea won the €5,000 Ciclic...
Moldovan director Dragos Turea’s debut feature Lenin’s Pawn won the €5,000 Film Center Serbia Award. A joint production by Moldova’s Parmis Film and Romania’s Project Um, Lenin’s Pawn follows a Moldovan actor struggling between his nation’s Soviet past and its European aspirations as he attempts to dismantle Lenin’s monuments.
Lala Aliyeva’s documentary Strange Sea won the €5,000 Ciclic...
- 1/25/2024
- ScreenDaily
UK producer and distributor Sovereign is expanding into US distribution and has set its first title as Laurent Negre’s A Forgotten Man.
The company aims to release up to three titles a year in US cinemas and across VOD platforms. The first will be Swiss thriller A Forgotten Man, which Sovereign released in the UK and Ireland on November 10, following its premiere at Zurich Film Festival in 2022. It is now set to open in the US on April 12.
It marks a further expansion for the London-based company, which was founded by Andreas Roald in 2008 and launched Sovereign Film Distribution...
The company aims to release up to three titles a year in US cinemas and across VOD platforms. The first will be Swiss thriller A Forgotten Man, which Sovereign released in the UK and Ireland on November 10, following its premiere at Zurich Film Festival in 2022. It is now set to open in the US on April 12.
It marks a further expansion for the London-based company, which was founded by Andreas Roald in 2008 and launched Sovereign Film Distribution...
- 1/25/2024
- ScreenDaily
The 53rd edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam, taking place between Jan. 25 – Feb. 4, will be the first for Clare Stewart as managing director. Functioning under a dual leadership structure where the managing director and festival director oversee the commercial and creative elements of the organization respectively, IFFR appointed Stewart back in June 2023 to focus on the festival’s business side.
Speaking to Variety ahead of the festival and joined by festival director Vanja Kaludjercic, the former director of the Sydney Film Festival and BFI London Film Festival emphasized it feels like a “full circle moment” to be back in Rotterdam after first attending IFFR over 20 years ago as her first international film event outside of her home country of Australia.
“It’s also interesting to be coming in as the managing director, having previously held roles that either combined the two or were more of a creative director role,...
Speaking to Variety ahead of the festival and joined by festival director Vanja Kaludjercic, the former director of the Sydney Film Festival and BFI London Film Festival emphasized it feels like a “full circle moment” to be back in Rotterdam after first attending IFFR over 20 years ago as her first international film event outside of her home country of Australia.
“It’s also interesting to be coming in as the managing director, having previously held roles that either combined the two or were more of a creative director role,...
- 1/25/2024
- by Rafa Sales Ross
- Variety Film + TV
M. Raihan Halim’s “La Luna” will close the 53rd edition of International Film Festival Rotterdam, which has also revealed the lineup of its Tiger competition section, a platform for up-and-coming filmmakers, and Big Screen Competition, a program for more established talent.
“La Luna,” which has its European premiere at the festival, is a comedy about a conservative Malaysian village shaken by the arrival of a lingerie store.
Among the Tiger competition films is British director Justin Anderson’s “Swimming Home,” starring Mackenzie Davis, Christopher Abbott and Ariane Labed. Adapted from Deborah Levy’s novel, it centers on Joe and Isabel, whose marriage is dying when Kitti, a naked stranger found floating in the pool at their holiday villa, is invited to stay. Kitti collects and eats poisonous plants, and Nina their teenage daughter is enthralled by her. The film, which is being sold by Bankside Films, is described as...
“La Luna,” which has its European premiere at the festival, is a comedy about a conservative Malaysian village shaken by the arrival of a lingerie store.
Among the Tiger competition films is British director Justin Anderson’s “Swimming Home,” starring Mackenzie Davis, Christopher Abbott and Ariane Labed. Adapted from Deborah Levy’s novel, it centers on Joe and Isabel, whose marriage is dying when Kitti, a naked stranger found floating in the pool at their holiday villa, is invited to stay. Kitti collects and eats poisonous plants, and Nina their teenage daughter is enthralled by her. The film, which is being sold by Bankside Films, is described as...
- 12/18/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
International Film Festival Rotterdam has revealed its lineup for the Tiger, Big Screen and Tiger Short competitions. The festival runs from January 25-February 4. Scroll down for the full lists.
Head South by Jonathan Ogilvie will open the proceedings with M. Raihan Halim’s comedy La Luna on closing duties. The Tiger Competition jury will be comprised of Marco Müller, Ena Sendijarević, Nadia Turincev, Herman Yau and Billy Woodberry.
Also confirmed are the first names for the Talks lineup including Marco Bellocchio, Anne Fontaine, Alexander Kluge and Rachel Maclean.
Festival director Vanja Kaludjercic said today, “For over half a century, IFFR has stood as a haven for diverse voices – a convergence where artists share perspectives. Our program celebrates the resilience and creativity of global filmmakers, a testament to cinema’s power to transcend borders. From Indian to Japanese epics, a Kazakh thriller, Finnish Freudian reinterpretations, Dominican sci-fi and underground Iranian cinema,...
Head South by Jonathan Ogilvie will open the proceedings with M. Raihan Halim’s comedy La Luna on closing duties. The Tiger Competition jury will be comprised of Marco Müller, Ena Sendijarević, Nadia Turincev, Herman Yau and Billy Woodberry.
Also confirmed are the first names for the Talks lineup including Marco Bellocchio, Anne Fontaine, Alexander Kluge and Rachel Maclean.
Festival director Vanja Kaludjercic said today, “For over half a century, IFFR has stood as a haven for diverse voices – a convergence where artists share perspectives. Our program celebrates the resilience and creativity of global filmmakers, a testament to cinema’s power to transcend borders. From Indian to Japanese epics, a Kazakh thriller, Finnish Freudian reinterpretations, Dominican sci-fi and underground Iranian cinema,...
- 12/18/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
IFFR will run from January 25 to February 4.
The 2024 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) will open with Jonathan Ogilvie’s post-punk coming-of-age comedy Head South on January 25.
New Zealand director Ogilvie returns to IFFR with Head South, a semi-autobiographical film that centres a private schoolboy who becomes desperately enamoured with all things post-punk in 1979 Christchurch. Ogilvie’s last film Lone Wolf screened in the festival’s Big Screen Competition in 2021.
The festival has also confirmed some of the first titles to play in its programme, along with details about industry event IFFR Pro Days.
Ishan Shukla’s dystopian sci-fi animation Schirkoa:...
The 2024 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) will open with Jonathan Ogilvie’s post-punk coming-of-age comedy Head South on January 25.
New Zealand director Ogilvie returns to IFFR with Head South, a semi-autobiographical film that centres a private schoolboy who becomes desperately enamoured with all things post-punk in 1979 Christchurch. Ogilvie’s last film Lone Wolf screened in the festival’s Big Screen Competition in 2021.
The festival has also confirmed some of the first titles to play in its programme, along with details about industry event IFFR Pro Days.
Ishan Shukla’s dystopian sci-fi animation Schirkoa:...
- 11/23/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Film Preservation
India’s Film Heritage Foundation (Fhf), which enjoys the support of cinema greats Martin Scorsese and Amitabh Bachchan, is conducting the third edition of the Biennial Audio-Visual Archival Summer School in partnership with the International Federation of Film Archives. The global film preservation training workshop is coming to India for the first time and will be held at the India International Centre in Delhi Oct. 10–19.
Fhf founder Shivendra Singh Dungarpur said that the final selection of some 50 participants, from 13 African countries, Asia, Europe, Australia, South and North America reaffirms the organization’s goal to “create a worldwide network of film archivists who can work together to save their film heritage around the globe.”
Scorsese said: “The World Cinema Project is committed to locating, preserving and distributing films from all over the world. A program like Bavass benefits this mission enormously by educating future film preservationists who can share...
India’s Film Heritage Foundation (Fhf), which enjoys the support of cinema greats Martin Scorsese and Amitabh Bachchan, is conducting the third edition of the Biennial Audio-Visual Archival Summer School in partnership with the International Federation of Film Archives. The global film preservation training workshop is coming to India for the first time and will be held at the India International Centre in Delhi Oct. 10–19.
Fhf founder Shivendra Singh Dungarpur said that the final selection of some 50 participants, from 13 African countries, Asia, Europe, Australia, South and North America reaffirms the organization’s goal to “create a worldwide network of film archivists who can work together to save their film heritage around the globe.”
Scorsese said: “The World Cinema Project is committed to locating, preserving and distributing films from all over the world. A program like Bavass benefits this mission enormously by educating future film preservationists who can share...
- 9/19/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Escalante will head the competition jury while Allen-Miller will preside over first feature
Filmmakers Amat Escalante, Raine Allen-Miller and Rubika Shah will preside over the competition juries for the 67th BFI London Film Festival.
Escalante, the Mexican director whose credits include 2013’s Heli and 2016’s The Untamed, will head the official competition jury where he is joined by Kate Taylor, programme director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival, and author Niven Govinden.
The Mexican director’s latest feature Lost In The Night made its debut in Cannes Premiere earlier this year and is also screening in the Lff Thrills strand.
Filmmakers Amat Escalante, Raine Allen-Miller and Rubika Shah will preside over the competition juries for the 67th BFI London Film Festival.
Escalante, the Mexican director whose credits include 2013’s Heli and 2016’s The Untamed, will head the official competition jury where he is joined by Kate Taylor, programme director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival, and author Niven Govinden.
The Mexican director’s latest feature Lost In The Night made its debut in Cannes Premiere earlier this year and is also screening in the Lff Thrills strand.
- 9/19/2023
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Fund supports filmmakers from countries where funding and infrastructure is lacking or restrictive.
Tamara Tatishvili has been appointed as head of International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR)’s global film fund, the Hubert Bals Fund.
A strategy consultant, producer and programmer, Tatishvili is a former director of the Georgian National Film Center and is currently head of studies at Medici, a training and exchange forum for decision makers of international public film funds.
She will take up the position heading the Hubert Bals Fund following the departure of its previous head, Bianca Taal. Taal took over last year following a major restructure at the IFFR.
Tamara Tatishvili has been appointed as head of International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR)’s global film fund, the Hubert Bals Fund.
A strategy consultant, producer and programmer, Tatishvili is a former director of the Georgian National Film Center and is currently head of studies at Medici, a training and exchange forum for decision makers of international public film funds.
She will take up the position heading the Hubert Bals Fund following the departure of its previous head, Bianca Taal. Taal took over last year following a major restructure at the IFFR.
- 9/4/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) has appointed former BFI London Film Festival director Clare Stewart to the position of managing director, taking over from Marjan van der Haar.
Stewart was most recently interim CEO at Sheffield DocFest and commences in the role at IFFR on June 21. IFFR has a dual leadership structure where the managing director and festival director oversee the commercial and creative elements of the organization respectively, working in partnership. Stewart previously consulted with the IFFR board of directors in 2021 in its first phase of re-evaluation prior to her joining DocFest, with a focus on the IFFR program structure and content strategy.
Stewart’s previous stints also include serving as director of BFI Flare: London Lgbtqia+ Film Festival alongside her London Film Festival role; as festival director, Sydney Film Festival; and as the inaugural Head of Film Programs at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image.
Korrie Louwes,...
Stewart was most recently interim CEO at Sheffield DocFest and commences in the role at IFFR on June 21. IFFR has a dual leadership structure where the managing director and festival director oversee the commercial and creative elements of the organization respectively, working in partnership. Stewart previously consulted with the IFFR board of directors in 2021 in its first phase of re-evaluation prior to her joining DocFest, with a focus on the IFFR program structure and content strategy.
Stewart’s previous stints also include serving as director of BFI Flare: London Lgbtqia+ Film Festival alongside her London Film Festival role; as festival director, Sydney Film Festival; and as the inaugural Head of Film Programs at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image.
Korrie Louwes,...
- 6/13/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) has appointed Clare Stewart to the post of Managing Director, taking over from outgoing Managing Director Marjan van der Haar.
Stewart will officially start work at Rotterdam on June 21. As part of the role, she will work closely with fest director Vanja Kaludjercic. IFFR has a dual leadership structure where the pairing of Managing Director and the Festival Director oversees the commercial and creative elements of the organization but work closely in partnership.
Clare previously consulted with the IFFR Board of Directors in 2021 in its first phase of re-evaluation, with a focus on the IFFR program structure and content strategy. Most recently Interim CEO at Sheffield DocFest, Stewart steered the 2022 edition of that festival and worked with the Board of Trustees to recruit its new leadership.
Over the last few years, she had worked in various strategic, creative, and development consultant roles at festivals. An...
Stewart will officially start work at Rotterdam on June 21. As part of the role, she will work closely with fest director Vanja Kaludjercic. IFFR has a dual leadership structure where the pairing of Managing Director and the Festival Director oversees the commercial and creative elements of the organization but work closely in partnership.
Clare previously consulted with the IFFR Board of Directors in 2021 in its first phase of re-evaluation, with a focus on the IFFR program structure and content strategy. Most recently Interim CEO at Sheffield DocFest, Stewart steered the 2022 edition of that festival and worked with the Board of Trustees to recruit its new leadership.
Over the last few years, she had worked in various strategic, creative, and development consultant roles at festivals. An...
- 6/13/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Stewart will work alongside festival director Vanja Kaludjercic.
International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) has appointed former BFI London Film Festival director Clare Stewart as managing director.
Stewart, who most recently was interim CEO of Sheffield DocFest, takes over on June 21 from outgoing IFFR managing director Marjan van der Haar.
IFFR has a dual leadership structure and Stewart will work alongside festival director Vanja Kaludjercic.
Van der Haar has been managing director of IFFR since 2018. Midway through her tenure, the festival’s finances were hit by Covid which prompted a major restructure last year. The festival returned as an in-person event...
International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) has appointed former BFI London Film Festival director Clare Stewart as managing director.
Stewart, who most recently was interim CEO of Sheffield DocFest, takes over on June 21 from outgoing IFFR managing director Marjan van der Haar.
IFFR has a dual leadership structure and Stewart will work alongside festival director Vanja Kaludjercic.
Van der Haar has been managing director of IFFR since 2018. Midway through her tenure, the festival’s finances were hit by Covid which prompted a major restructure last year. The festival returned as an in-person event...
- 6/13/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Clare Stewart, former director of BFI London Film Festival and recently CEO at Sheffield DocFest, is going Dutch, taking over the job of managing director at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR).
Stewart will take over from Marjan van der Haar, who is exiting the post, and start on June 21 ahead of the 54th IFFR in January next year. She joins festival director Vanja Kaludjercic in Rotterdam’s dual leadership structure, with Stewart overseeing the commercial elements of the festival and Kaludjercic the creative and programming components. Stewart was a consultant for the IFFR board of directors in 2021, where she helped the festival reshape its programming structure and content strategy.
“I am excited to be welcoming Clare to the IFFR team and to Rotterdam as she makes this incredible city her new home,” said Kaludjercic. “She brings a deep understanding of the artistic and commercial sides of a festival from her formidable career to date,...
Stewart will take over from Marjan van der Haar, who is exiting the post, and start on June 21 ahead of the 54th IFFR in January next year. She joins festival director Vanja Kaludjercic in Rotterdam’s dual leadership structure, with Stewart overseeing the commercial elements of the festival and Kaludjercic the creative and programming components. Stewart was a consultant for the IFFR board of directors in 2021, where she helped the festival reshape its programming structure and content strategy.
“I am excited to be welcoming Clare to the IFFR team and to Rotterdam as she makes this incredible city her new home,” said Kaludjercic. “She brings a deep understanding of the artistic and commercial sides of a festival from her formidable career to date,...
- 6/13/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Protests from climate activists, against festival sponsor Uber, and against a German cinema chain took place.
A ten-minute address from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky headlined the opening ceremony of the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival, as multiple protests took place outside the Berlinale Palast venue.
Appearing via a live video link, Zelensky made an analogy between the Berlin Wall that used to divide Potsdamer Platz, and the wall that “Russia wants to build in Ukraine – a wall between us and Europe.”
“It is not only about state borders on the map; the wall divided world views, philosophies, different realms,” said Zelensky.
A ten-minute address from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky headlined the opening ceremony of the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival, as multiple protests took place outside the Berlinale Palast venue.
Appearing via a live video link, Zelensky made an analogy between the Berlin Wall that used to divide Potsdamer Platz, and the wall that “Russia wants to build in Ukraine – a wall between us and Europe.”
“It is not only about state borders on the map; the wall divided world views, philosophies, different realms,” said Zelensky.
- 2/16/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
International attendees point to IFFR’s sense of community, inclusivity – and wide sweep of films.
“The one word that keeps springing back to mind is: finally,” says International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) director Vanja Kaludjercic, with the first in-person festival since the pandemic drawing to a close yesterday (Feburary 5) after 97 feature films world premiered, 2,195 film professionals attended from 92 countries and 11 days of sold-out screenings.
“Finally, we’re back in person after a forced three-year hiatus. Finally, we get to see audiences welcoming us again with such warmth and roaring enthusiasm,” Kaludjercic says. “And finally, we can welcome the filmmakers who...
“The one word that keeps springing back to mind is: finally,” says International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) director Vanja Kaludjercic, with the first in-person festival since the pandemic drawing to a close yesterday (Feburary 5) after 97 feature films world premiered, 2,195 film professionals attended from 92 countries and 11 days of sold-out screenings.
“Finally, we’re back in person after a forced three-year hiatus. Finally, we get to see audiences welcoming us again with such warmth and roaring enthusiasm,” Kaludjercic says. “And finally, we can welcome the filmmakers who...
- 2/6/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
“The festival industry as we know has come to be defined by a spirit of competition rather than collaboration,” said festival director Vanja Kaludjercic.
International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR)’s annual Reality Check symposium has called for a permanent coalition spearheaded by film festival and industry professionals to bolster the future of film festivals.
The symposium was held at the festival on January 29 to discuss how festivals can organise themselves and collaborate with one another in an ever-evolving industry landscape.
A group of 65 festival and industry professionals took part, with the event organised by a steering committee consisting of international...
International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR)’s annual Reality Check symposium has called for a permanent coalition spearheaded by film festival and industry professionals to bolster the future of film festivals.
The symposium was held at the festival on January 29 to discuss how festivals can organise themselves and collaborate with one another in an ever-evolving industry landscape.
A group of 65 festival and industry professionals took part, with the event organised by a steering committee consisting of international...
- 2/1/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
The director’s film ’Killing A Traitor’ is playing in the Harbour strand.
Iranian director, screenwriter and producer Masoud Kimiai has been prevented from travelling to International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) from Iran owing to his support of the protests currently happening in the country.
Kimiai was due to attend IFFR where his title Killing A Traitor is receiving its international premiere in the festival’s Harbour strand.
IFFR festival director Vanja Kaludjercic confirmed the reason for Kimiai’s lack of attendance yesterday (January 31) at a talk held by the International Coalition for Filmmakers At Risk (Icfr). She said: “Masoud...
Iranian director, screenwriter and producer Masoud Kimiai has been prevented from travelling to International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) from Iran owing to his support of the protests currently happening in the country.
Kimiai was due to attend IFFR where his title Killing A Traitor is receiving its international premiere in the festival’s Harbour strand.
IFFR festival director Vanja Kaludjercic confirmed the reason for Kimiai’s lack of attendance yesterday (January 31) at a talk held by the International Coalition for Filmmakers At Risk (Icfr). She said: “Masoud...
- 2/1/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
11 feature projects are entering production this year
The Slovenian Film Centre (Sfc) is to boost local film production by increasing the amount it invests in films to a record €8.8m.
This compares to €6.7m in 2022 and €4.5m in 2014.
Eleven Slovenian projects are set to shoot this year, the highest number in history. Sfc director Nataša Bučar said the centre was “significantly” increasing local film production in 2023.
The 11-strong slate includes new films from Gregor Božič (Tales Of Fruits And Monsters); Urša Menart (Everything That’s Wrong With You); and Darko Štante (The Last Son).
Four debuts will also shoot in...
The Slovenian Film Centre (Sfc) is to boost local film production by increasing the amount it invests in films to a record €8.8m.
This compares to €6.7m in 2022 and €4.5m in 2014.
Eleven Slovenian projects are set to shoot this year, the highest number in history. Sfc director Nataša Bučar said the centre was “significantly” increasing local film production in 2023.
The 11-strong slate includes new films from Gregor Božič (Tales Of Fruits And Monsters); Urša Menart (Everything That’s Wrong With You); and Darko Štante (The Last Son).
Four debuts will also shoot in...
- 1/27/2023
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
“We go where others do not go,” said a passionate Vanja Kaludjercic, of the mission to celebrate rising film-making countries.
At an emotional opening night event in a packed Doelen Grand Hall, Vanja Kaludjercic, festival director of the International Film Festival Rotterdam, expressed “her sense of relief and her gratitude” at being able finally to welcome guests “after a three-year wait”. She became festival director in 2020 but her first two editions at the helm, including the 50th anniversary, happened online.
These, she acknowledged, were “three years that actually changed the world as we knew [it]; three years that took a toll on all of us.
At an emotional opening night event in a packed Doelen Grand Hall, Vanja Kaludjercic, festival director of the International Film Festival Rotterdam, expressed “her sense of relief and her gratitude” at being able finally to welcome guests “after a three-year wait”. She became festival director in 2020 but her first two editions at the helm, including the 50th anniversary, happened online.
These, she acknowledged, were “three years that actually changed the world as we knew [it]; three years that took a toll on all of us.
- 1/26/2023
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
The wait is over: Intl. Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), set to kick off on Jan. 25, is returning for its first full on-site edition in three years.
“We are finally able to present the reshaped program as it was intended: in cinemas across Rotterdam. We find it incredibly encouraging to see that the number of accredited guests is similar to pre-covid editions,” says festival director Vanja Kaludjercic.
Alongside IFFR’s Tiger competition strand, which celebrates innovative and adventurous up-and-coming filmmakers, there are retrospectives of Judit Elek, Stanya Kahn, Arc and Japanese animator Yuasa Masaaki, as well as “Sunshine State,” Steve McQueen’s much-anticipated artwork, originally commissioned for the festival’s 50th anniversary back in 2021.
“It’s great to see that this extra time has allowed it to evolve into what it is today: a monumental two-channel video projection that will surely move all those who witness it,” she adds. “With this commission,...
“We are finally able to present the reshaped program as it was intended: in cinemas across Rotterdam. We find it incredibly encouraging to see that the number of accredited guests is similar to pre-covid editions,” says festival director Vanja Kaludjercic.
Alongside IFFR’s Tiger competition strand, which celebrates innovative and adventurous up-and-coming filmmakers, there are retrospectives of Judit Elek, Stanya Kahn, Arc and Japanese animator Yuasa Masaaki, as well as “Sunshine State,” Steve McQueen’s much-anticipated artwork, originally commissioned for the festival’s 50th anniversary back in 2021.
“It’s great to see that this extra time has allowed it to evolve into what it is today: a monumental two-channel video projection that will surely move all those who witness it,” she adds. “With this commission,...
- 1/25/2023
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
The drama is inspired by real events surrounding the kidnapping of a German author and multi-millionaire
Screen can reveal the first trailer for Hans-Christian Schmid’s We Are Next Of Kin which is screening at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in the Limelight strand.
Inspired by real events surrounding the kidnapping of German author and multi-millionaire Jan Philipp Reemtsma, the drama is told through the perspective of Reemtsma’s son who was 13 at the time – his autobiography of which the film is based on.
We Are Next Of Kin is produced by Germany’s 23/5 Filmproduktion. The Match Factory is handling international sales.
Screen can reveal the first trailer for Hans-Christian Schmid’s We Are Next Of Kin which is screening at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in the Limelight strand.
Inspired by real events surrounding the kidnapping of German author and multi-millionaire Jan Philipp Reemtsma, the drama is told through the perspective of Reemtsma’s son who was 13 at the time – his autobiography of which the film is based on.
We Are Next Of Kin is produced by Germany’s 23/5 Filmproduktion. The Match Factory is handling international sales.
- 1/25/2023
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Rosa Bosch, Giovanna Fulvi and Mike Goodridge are part of the symposium’s steering group.
International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) has unveiled details of its industry-focused symposium, Reality Check, which this year will aim to unpack the future of film festivals.
Taking place on January 29, the invite-only, closed symposium will aim to provide a space for film festival and market professionals to discuss how festivals can organise themselves and collaborate with one another in an ever-evolving industry landscape.
The results of Reality Check will be shared the following day (January 30) at IFFR Pro Dialogue, open to all industry, press and student accredited guests.
International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) has unveiled details of its industry-focused symposium, Reality Check, which this year will aim to unpack the future of film festivals.
Taking place on January 29, the invite-only, closed symposium will aim to provide a space for film festival and market professionals to discuss how festivals can organise themselves and collaborate with one another in an ever-evolving industry landscape.
The results of Reality Check will be shared the following day (January 30) at IFFR Pro Dialogue, open to all industry, press and student accredited guests.
- 1/5/2023
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
This year’s International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) has unveiled the 16 films selected for its flagship Tiger Competition. Scroll down for the full list.
As always, the competition selection is a global affair, with features from Sweeden to Sri Lanka. The 2023 jury will grant three prizes: the Tiger Award, plus two special jury awards. On the jury are: Alonso Díaz de la Vega, Anisia Uzeyman, Christine Vachon, Lav Diaz, and Sabrina Baracetti.
Running from January 25 to February 5, the fest is set to return for its first full-scale physical edition since the pandemic. The event will open with Munch, an experimental feature biopic of the Norwegian expressionist painter Edvard Munch by Henrik Martin Dahlsbakken (Returning Home).
The honorary Robby Müller Award will go to French cinematographer Hélène Louvart. Louvart is best known for her work with Claire Denis, including the 1999 classic Beau Travail. Louvart has also worked with directors such as Wim Wenders,...
As always, the competition selection is a global affair, with features from Sweeden to Sri Lanka. The 2023 jury will grant three prizes: the Tiger Award, plus two special jury awards. On the jury are: Alonso Díaz de la Vega, Anisia Uzeyman, Christine Vachon, Lav Diaz, and Sabrina Baracetti.
Running from January 25 to February 5, the fest is set to return for its first full-scale physical edition since the pandemic. The event will open with Munch, an experimental feature biopic of the Norwegian expressionist painter Edvard Munch by Henrik Martin Dahlsbakken (Returning Home).
The honorary Robby Müller Award will go to French cinematographer Hélène Louvart. Louvart is best known for her work with Claire Denis, including the 1999 classic Beau Travail. Louvart has also worked with directors such as Wim Wenders,...
- 12/19/2022
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
The International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) on Monday unveiled its full line for its 2023 event.
After two all-virtual festivals, the IFFR is finally returning in-person fest, running January 25-February 5 in the Dutch port city. Rotterdam is one of the last major festivals to return post-pandemic, its 2022 event having been forced to go online-only at the last minute when Dutch authorities imposed a new lockdown in December last year, just weeks before the IFFR kicked off.
The resulting revenue shortfall —closed theatres equals zero ticket sales —meant IFFR had to slash its budget, cutting 15 percent of its staff and restructuring.
Festival director Vanja Kaludjercic, who runs the IFFR together with managing director Marjan van der Haar, told The Hollywood Reporter the cuts were made “in order to avoid having to make big changes to the festival.” The 2023 edition, however, will be significantly smaller than the pre-pandemic versions,...
The International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) on Monday unveiled its full line for its 2023 event.
After two all-virtual festivals, the IFFR is finally returning in-person fest, running January 25-February 5 in the Dutch port city. Rotterdam is one of the last major festivals to return post-pandemic, its 2022 event having been forced to go online-only at the last minute when Dutch authorities imposed a new lockdown in December last year, just weeks before the IFFR kicked off.
The resulting revenue shortfall —closed theatres equals zero ticket sales —meant IFFR had to slash its budget, cutting 15 percent of its staff and restructuring.
Festival director Vanja Kaludjercic, who runs the IFFR together with managing director Marjan van der Haar, told The Hollywood Reporter the cuts were made “in order to avoid having to make big changes to the festival.” The 2023 edition, however, will be significantly smaller than the pre-pandemic versions,...
- 12/19/2022
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) will open on Jan. 25 with “Munch,” Henrik Martin Dahlsbakken’s take on the Norwegian artist behind “The Scream.”
“Bringing to life the inner world of such a complex character has been a very rewarding experience. We are thrilled to show audiences what inspired [Edvard] Munch and what kept his inner flame alive,” noted the helmer.
Produced by The Film Company and sold internationally by Viaplay Content Distribution, it will premiere in Norwegian cinemas on Jan. 27 and on Viaplay on March 24.
IFFR, set to return for its first full-scale physical edition since the pandemic, will present 16 films in its flagship Tiger Competition. Jurors Sabrina Baracetti, Lav Diaz, Anisia Uzeyman, Christine Vachon and Alonso Díaz de la Vega will grant three prizes: the Tiger Award, worth €40,000, and two Special Jury Awards, worth €10,000 each.
Ukraine’s Philip Sotnychenko “La Palisiada,” “New Strains” by Artemis Shaw and Prashanth Kamalakanthan, and...
“Bringing to life the inner world of such a complex character has been a very rewarding experience. We are thrilled to show audiences what inspired [Edvard] Munch and what kept his inner flame alive,” noted the helmer.
Produced by The Film Company and sold internationally by Viaplay Content Distribution, it will premiere in Norwegian cinemas on Jan. 27 and on Viaplay on March 24.
IFFR, set to return for its first full-scale physical edition since the pandemic, will present 16 films in its flagship Tiger Competition. Jurors Sabrina Baracetti, Lav Diaz, Anisia Uzeyman, Christine Vachon and Alonso Díaz de la Vega will grant three prizes: the Tiger Award, worth €40,000, and two Special Jury Awards, worth €10,000 each.
Ukraine’s Philip Sotnychenko “La Palisiada,” “New Strains” by Artemis Shaw and Prashanth Kamalakanthan, and...
- 12/19/2022
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
The International Film Festival Rotterdam has unveiled its competition juries for its 52nd edition. U.S. producer Christine Vachon, whose credits include “Boys Don’t Cry,” “Far From Heaven” and “Carol,” and Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz, who won Venice’s Golden Lion for “The Woman Who Left,” are among the Tiger Competition jurors. The first titles in the Short and Mid-Length strand have been revealed as well as a program that looks at the socio-political development of India over the past 30 years.
Festival director Vanja Kaludjercic said the announcements are “testament of the broadening and deepening of our program, from the delights of the Short and Mid-Length program, to a vital delve into contemporary India – surprising our audiences with great films that underline relevant and pressing issues.”
In the non-competitive short and mid-length work lineup is “Goodbye Words,” in which Finnish filmmaker Laura Rantanen reflects on the end of life through...
Festival director Vanja Kaludjercic said the announcements are “testament of the broadening and deepening of our program, from the delights of the Short and Mid-Length program, to a vital delve into contemporary India – surprising our audiences with great films that underline relevant and pressing issues.”
In the non-competitive short and mid-length work lineup is “Goodbye Words,” in which Finnish filmmaker Laura Rantanen reflects on the end of life through...
- 12/8/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Don Palathara’s Indian drama ‘Family’ will have its world premiere at the festival.
Dmytro Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk’s Pamfir and Andrew Legge’s Lola have been added to the Harbour strand for the 52nd edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
Ukrainian drama Pamfir was supported by the festival’s Hubert Bals fund in 2020 and recently nominated for a European Film Academy award in European discovery.
Lola is the feature debut from UK director Legge and is set during the Second World War. It premiered at Locarno in August and was recently acquired by Signature Entertainment for the UK and Ireland.
Dmytro Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk’s Pamfir and Andrew Legge’s Lola have been added to the Harbour strand for the 52nd edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
Ukrainian drama Pamfir was supported by the festival’s Hubert Bals fund in 2020 and recently nominated for a European Film Academy award in European discovery.
Lola is the feature debut from UK director Legge and is set during the Second World War. It premiered at Locarno in August and was recently acquired by Signature Entertainment for the UK and Ireland.
- 11/24/2022
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Don Palathara’s Indian drama ‘Family’ will have its world premiere at the festival.
Dmytro Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk’s Pamfir and Andrew Legge’s Lola have been added to the Harbour strand for the 52nd edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
Ukrainian drama Pamfir was supported by the festival’s Hubert Bals Fund in 2020 and recently nominated for a European Film Academy award in European discovery.
Lola is the feature debut from UK director Legge and is set during the Second World War. It premiered at Locarno in August and was recently acquired by Signature Entertainment for the UK and Ireland.
Dmytro Sukholytkyy-Sobchuk’s Pamfir and Andrew Legge’s Lola have been added to the Harbour strand for the 52nd edition of the International Film Festival Rotterdam.
Ukrainian drama Pamfir was supported by the festival’s Hubert Bals Fund in 2020 and recently nominated for a European Film Academy award in European discovery.
Lola is the feature debut from UK director Legge and is set during the Second World War. It premiered at Locarno in August and was recently acquired by Signature Entertainment for the UK and Ireland.
- 11/23/2022
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Festival continues through Sunday.
Danish director Lea Glob’s Apolonia, Apolonia has won best film in the international competition at the 35th edition of International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), running 9-20 November.
The award,which comes with a €15,000 euro cash prize, was confirmed on Thursday evening in a ceremony at Ita (International Theatre Amsterdam) that was streamed live.
Apolonia, Apolonia, backed by HBO Max and Arte and sold by Cat&Docs, follows brilliant young artist Apolonia Sokol over a period of 13 years. It was produced by Sidsel Siersted for Danish Documentary Production.
“This film has characters who breathe life and take us on a journey,...
Danish director Lea Glob’s Apolonia, Apolonia has won best film in the international competition at the 35th edition of International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), running 9-20 November.
The award,which comes with a €15,000 euro cash prize, was confirmed on Thursday evening in a ceremony at Ita (International Theatre Amsterdam) that was streamed live.
Apolonia, Apolonia, backed by HBO Max and Arte and sold by Cat&Docs, follows brilliant young artist Apolonia Sokol over a period of 13 years. It was produced by Sidsel Siersted for Danish Documentary Production.
“This film has characters who breathe life and take us on a journey,...
- 11/17/2022
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Lea Glob’s documentary “Apolonia, Apolonia,” depicting French figurative painter Apolonia Sokol over the course of 13 years, has won the best film award in the International Competition section as well as €15,000 at documentary film festival IDFA in Amsterdam.
The coming-of-age story with Bohemian Paris as its backdrop was pitched at IDFA Forum back in 2015. In his Variety review for “Apolonia, Apolonia” Guy Lodge described the docu as “an impressively idiosyncratic, far-reaching work, assured of further festival play and specialist arthouse attention.” The film is a co-production between Denmark, Poland and France.
This marks the third time that Glob, a Danish director, has been at IDFA with a docu.
Glob’s “Olmo & the Seagull” which she co-directed with Petra Costa screened at IDFA 2015, while “Venus,” which was co-directed with Mette Carla Albrechtse, made its world premiere at IDFA in 2016.
“(‘Apolonia, Apolonia’) has characters who breathe life and take us on a journey,...
The coming-of-age story with Bohemian Paris as its backdrop was pitched at IDFA Forum back in 2015. In his Variety review for “Apolonia, Apolonia” Guy Lodge described the docu as “an impressively idiosyncratic, far-reaching work, assured of further festival play and specialist arthouse attention.” The film is a co-production between Denmark, Poland and France.
This marks the third time that Glob, a Danish director, has been at IDFA with a docu.
Glob’s “Olmo & the Seagull” which she co-directed with Petra Costa screened at IDFA 2015, while “Venus,” which was co-directed with Mette Carla Albrechtse, made its world premiere at IDFA in 2016.
“(‘Apolonia, Apolonia’) has characters who breathe life and take us on a journey,...
- 11/17/2022
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Oh Baby
The Singapore International Film Festival has added R21 rated biographical film “Baby Queen” to its lineup. The screening will also anchor the festival’s annual fund-raising evening event. The film is directed by Lei Yuan Bin, who previously made “03-Flats” in 2014 and “I Dream of Singapore” which premiered at the 2019 Berlinale. “Baby Queen” is his fifth feature and premiered recently at the Busan International Film Festival 2022.
With her striking Teochew opera-inspired makeup, actor Opera Tang has been making waves on the local drag scene since her debut in 2020. Through intimate vignettes of her personal life, the film chronicles her queer journey: from coming-out as a fledgling drag queen, falling in love, competing in drag pageants, to dressing up her supportive 90-year-old grandma in drag.
“ ‘Baby Queen’ illuminates the struggles and joys of becoming who you want to be, and what it means to carve out a safe space...
The Singapore International Film Festival has added R21 rated biographical film “Baby Queen” to its lineup. The screening will also anchor the festival’s annual fund-raising evening event. The film is directed by Lei Yuan Bin, who previously made “03-Flats” in 2014 and “I Dream of Singapore” which premiered at the 2019 Berlinale. “Baby Queen” is his fifth feature and premiered recently at the Busan International Film Festival 2022.
With her striking Teochew opera-inspired makeup, actor Opera Tang has been making waves on the local drag scene since her debut in 2020. Through intimate vignettes of her personal life, the film chronicles her queer journey: from coming-out as a fledgling drag queen, falling in love, competing in drag pageants, to dressing up her supportive 90-year-old grandma in drag.
“ ‘Baby Queen’ illuminates the struggles and joys of becoming who you want to be, and what it means to carve out a safe space...
- 11/10/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
As per usual, IFFR likes to drop a sampling of confirmed titles just before the official line-up unveiling (namely the Tiger Competition on December 19th) and Artistic Director Vanja Kaludjercic has front-loaded the 52nd edition with some bonafide quality film items. For the Limelight section we have Cannes gems in Charlotte Wells’ Aftersun and Hlynur Pálmason’s Godland while from Venice we have Alice Diop’s Saint Omer and Jafar Panahi’s No Bears. The first titles in the Bright Future programme are mostly international premieres with Umut Subasi’s Almost Entirely a Slight Disaster and Jagath Manuwarna’s Whispering Mountains. receiving world premiere status.…...
- 10/27/2022
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
Bright Future and Limelight titles first to be announced.
International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) and industry platform CineMart are set to fully return in-person in 2023, with its first wave of titles announced today.
The 52nd edition of the festival is scheduled to take place from January 25 to February 5 and organisers said it plans to welcome back audiences with a complete programme of features, shorts, focus programmes, installations and performances.
The 40th edition of IFFR’s co-production market CineMart is also set to run from January 29 to February 1, with one-to-one meetings and informal networking taking place in person for the first time in three years.
International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) and industry platform CineMart are set to fully return in-person in 2023, with its first wave of titles announced today.
The 52nd edition of the festival is scheduled to take place from January 25 to February 5 and organisers said it plans to welcome back audiences with a complete programme of features, shorts, focus programmes, installations and performances.
The 40th edition of IFFR’s co-production market CineMart is also set to run from January 29 to February 1, with one-to-one meetings and informal networking taking place in person for the first time in three years.
- 10/27/2022
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
28 projects selected from over 150 submissions.
New features from Mexican director Amat Escalante and Mexican-San Salvadoran filmmaker Tatiana Huezo are among the 28 feature projects selected for the fifth edition of European Work in Progress Cologne (Ewip), the industry pitching event held from October 17-19 in the run-up to Film Festival Cologne.
Escalante will pitch Lost In The Night, about a man searching for those responsible for his mother’s disappearance, who encounters an incompetent justice system.
The Mexico-Germany-Netherlands-Denmark co-production is produced by Nicolas Celis and Fernanda de la Peza for Tres Tunas Cine. Escalante has previously directed four features including Venice and Toronto 2016 horror The Untamed.
New features from Mexican director Amat Escalante and Mexican-San Salvadoran filmmaker Tatiana Huezo are among the 28 feature projects selected for the fifth edition of European Work in Progress Cologne (Ewip), the industry pitching event held from October 17-19 in the run-up to Film Festival Cologne.
Escalante will pitch Lost In The Night, about a man searching for those responsible for his mother’s disappearance, who encounters an incompetent justice system.
The Mexico-Germany-Netherlands-Denmark co-production is produced by Nicolas Celis and Fernanda de la Peza for Tres Tunas Cine. Escalante has previously directed four features including Venice and Toronto 2016 horror The Untamed.
- 10/11/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Lab takes place at Marrakech, Rotterdam film festivals.
Africa filmmaking agency Realness Institute has selected 15 participants for its second Creative Producer Indaba, a lab for developing entrepreneurial, leadership and creative skills among producers looking to work on the continent.
The scheme is presented in partnership with European training body Eave, International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR)’s industry platform IFFR Pro, and Marrakech International Film Festival’s Atlas Workshops.
Scroll down for the list of selected producers
The 2022 lab will take place online from November 14-17 as part of the Atlas Workshops; then in person at IFFR in January and February 2023.
Its programme includes workshops,...
Africa filmmaking agency Realness Institute has selected 15 participants for its second Creative Producer Indaba, a lab for developing entrepreneurial, leadership and creative skills among producers looking to work on the continent.
The scheme is presented in partnership with European training body Eave, International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR)’s industry platform IFFR Pro, and Marrakech International Film Festival’s Atlas Workshops.
Scroll down for the list of selected producers
The 2022 lab will take place online from November 14-17 as part of the Atlas Workshops; then in person at IFFR in January and February 2023.
Its programme includes workshops,...
- 10/11/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Lab takes place at Marrakech, Rotterdam film festivals.
Africa filmmaking agency Realness Institute has selected 15 participants for its second Creative Producer Indaba, a lab for developing entrepreneurial, leadership and creative skills among producers looking to work on the continent.
The scheme is presented in partnership with European training body Eave, International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR)’s industry platform IFFR Pro, and Marrakech International Film Festival’s Atlas Workshops.
Scroll down for the list of selected producers
The 2022 lab will take place online from November 14-17 as part of the Atlas Workshops; then in person at IFFR in January and February 2023.
Its programme includes workshops,...
Africa filmmaking agency Realness Institute has selected 15 participants for its second Creative Producer Indaba, a lab for developing entrepreneurial, leadership and creative skills among producers looking to work on the continent.
The scheme is presented in partnership with European training body Eave, International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR)’s industry platform IFFR Pro, and Marrakech International Film Festival’s Atlas Workshops.
Scroll down for the list of selected producers
The 2022 lab will take place online from November 14-17 as part of the Atlas Workshops; then in person at IFFR in January and February 2023.
Its programme includes workshops,...
- 10/11/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
The October weekend event will screen films from this year’s festival.
International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) will be back in cinemas from October 14-16 with IFFR 2022: Return of the Tiger, after the last two editions of the festival were moved online due to the pandemic.
The city’s Cinerama Filmtheater and LantarenVenster venues will host screenings of selected films from the festival’s 51st edition, which was held online from January 26-February 6. Filmmakers and special guests from the selected films will be in attendance.
The event will screen 13 films from the 2022 Tiger Competition, including Paz Encina’s Tiger award winner Eami,...
International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) will be back in cinemas from October 14-16 with IFFR 2022: Return of the Tiger, after the last two editions of the festival were moved online due to the pandemic.
The city’s Cinerama Filmtheater and LantarenVenster venues will host screenings of selected films from the festival’s 51st edition, which was held online from January 26-February 6. Filmmakers and special guests from the selected films will be in attendance.
The event will screen 13 films from the 2022 Tiger Competition, including Paz Encina’s Tiger award winner Eami,...
- 9/14/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
The panel included Orwa Nyrabia, Vanja Kaludjercic and Alberto Barbera.
Venice Film Festival gathered a group of industry representatives in collaboration with activists’ association the International Coalition Filmmakers at Risk (Icfr) to raise awareness of the plight of filmmakers who have suffered oppression and arrests in the past year.
“The danger of forgetting these stories is very relevant,” said International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) director Orwa Nyrabia, one of the speakers at the Filmmakers Under Attack: Taking Stock, Taking Action panel organised in collaboration with the Icfr.
The panel also drew attention to an Icfr initiative that seeks to provide...
Venice Film Festival gathered a group of industry representatives in collaboration with activists’ association the International Coalition Filmmakers at Risk (Icfr) to raise awareness of the plight of filmmakers who have suffered oppression and arrests in the past year.
“The danger of forgetting these stories is very relevant,” said International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) director Orwa Nyrabia, one of the speakers at the Filmmakers Under Attack: Taking Stock, Taking Action panel organised in collaboration with the Icfr.
The panel also drew attention to an Icfr initiative that seeks to provide...
- 9/4/2022
- by Alina Trabattoni
- ScreenDaily
In a new statement shared with the Venice Film Festival, imprisoned Iranian filmmakers Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rosoulof have said the “hope of creating again” is a “reason for existence.”
Venice showed solidarity with persecuted filmmakers in Iran and Turkey as part of a session co-organized with the International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk (Icfr) that highlighted the plight of creatives in these countries, and the remaining work — and funds — required to raise awareness of their immense struggle, and fight for civil liberties.
Iran, in particular, is seeing a major crackdown on the filmmaking community. In early July, Mohammad Rasoulof, winner of the 2020 Berlin Golden Bear for “There Is No Evil,” and fellow filmmaker Mostafa Al-Ahmad were arrested for posting a statement on social media in the wake of a violent government crackdown. Just days later, dissident Iranian auteur Jafar Panahi, known globally for prizewinning works such as “Offside” and “Taxi,...
Venice showed solidarity with persecuted filmmakers in Iran and Turkey as part of a session co-organized with the International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk (Icfr) that highlighted the plight of creatives in these countries, and the remaining work — and funds — required to raise awareness of their immense struggle, and fight for civil liberties.
Iran, in particular, is seeing a major crackdown on the filmmaking community. In early July, Mohammad Rasoulof, winner of the 2020 Berlin Golden Bear for “There Is No Evil,” and fellow filmmaker Mostafa Al-Ahmad were arrested for posting a statement on social media in the wake of a violent government crackdown. Just days later, dissident Iranian auteur Jafar Panahi, known globally for prizewinning works such as “Offside” and “Taxi,...
- 9/3/2022
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
The festival runs September 16-24.
Glenn Close has been named president of the official selection jury for the 70th San Sebastian International Film Festival.
Close will be joined by French director and casting director Antoinette Boulat; Danish filmmaker Tea Lindeburg; Argentinian producer Matías Mosteirín; Spanish writer Rosa Montero; Mosotho filmmaker Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese and the Icelandic director and screenwriter Hlynur Pálmason.
Wang Chao’s A Woman has also been added to Ssiff’s official selection, becoming the 16th title eligible for the Golden Shell.
The Chinese film is based on Zhang Xiu Zhen’s autobiography Dream and follows an aspiring...
Glenn Close has been named president of the official selection jury for the 70th San Sebastian International Film Festival.
Close will be joined by French director and casting director Antoinette Boulat; Danish filmmaker Tea Lindeburg; Argentinian producer Matías Mosteirín; Spanish writer Rosa Montero; Mosotho filmmaker Lemohang Jeremiah Mosese and the Icelandic director and screenwriter Hlynur Pálmason.
Wang Chao’s A Woman has also been added to Ssiff’s official selection, becoming the 16th title eligible for the Golden Shell.
The Chinese film is based on Zhang Xiu Zhen’s autobiography Dream and follows an aspiring...
- 9/2/2022
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
The Ewip industry event takes place October 17-19.
European Work In Progress Cologne (Ewip) has announced a new partnership with TorinoFilmLab ahead of the industry event’s 5th edition (October 17-19)
Five projects now in post-production that have been developed or supported by Torino’s FeatureLab, ScriptLab or the Tfl Fund programme will be presented in official selection at Ewip which takes place in Cologne ahead of the 32nd Film Festival Cologne (October 20-27)
The projects will compete with 25 other selected European co-productions, to be announced at the end of the month, for various prizes worth a total of €52,500.
New...
European Work In Progress Cologne (Ewip) has announced a new partnership with TorinoFilmLab ahead of the industry event’s 5th edition (October 17-19)
Five projects now in post-production that have been developed or supported by Torino’s FeatureLab, ScriptLab or the Tfl Fund programme will be presented in official selection at Ewip which takes place in Cologne ahead of the 32nd Film Festival Cologne (October 20-27)
The projects will compete with 25 other selected European co-productions, to be announced at the end of the month, for various prizes worth a total of €52,500.
New...
- 9/1/2022
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Catherine Deneuve “very proud” with honorary award; emphasises ongoing work.
A three-minute video message from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a harrowing tribute to the children killed in Ukraine formed part of the opening ceremony of the 79th Venice Film Festival this evening.
The story of the war “is beyond the limits of humanity and common sense,” said Zelenskyy, in his latest address to the film community, having previously spoken at events including the opening of Cannes Film Festival this year.
Scroll down to read Zelenskyy’s message in full
“It is a drama based on real-life events,” continued the president,...
A three-minute video message from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a harrowing tribute to the children killed in Ukraine formed part of the opening ceremony of the 79th Venice Film Festival this evening.
The story of the war “is beyond the limits of humanity and common sense,” said Zelenskyy, in his latest address to the film community, having previously spoken at events including the opening of Cannes Film Festival this year.
Scroll down to read Zelenskyy’s message in full
“It is a drama based on real-life events,” continued the president,...
- 8/31/2022
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
The industry event will take place from October 17-19.
Vanja Kaludjercic, festival director of the Rotterdam International Film Festival, Julien Rejl, new director of Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight, and Olivier Barbier, head of acquisitions at mk2 films, will sit on the jury of the fifth edition of the European Works In Progress Cologne (Ewip)
The industry event will take place from October 17-19, in the run up to Germany’s Cologne Film Festival (October 20-27). Thirty European co-productions will pitch to an international industry audience for several prizes worth a total of €52,500.
Also on the five-personjury is Saralisa Volm, a German filmmaker,...
Vanja Kaludjercic, festival director of the Rotterdam International Film Festival, Julien Rejl, new director of Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight, and Olivier Barbier, head of acquisitions at mk2 films, will sit on the jury of the fifth edition of the European Works In Progress Cologne (Ewip)
The industry event will take place from October 17-19, in the run up to Germany’s Cologne Film Festival (October 20-27). Thirty European co-productions will pitch to an international industry audience for several prizes worth a total of €52,500.
Also on the five-personjury is Saralisa Volm, a German filmmaker,...
- 8/25/2022
- by Mona Tabbara
- ScreenDaily
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