Rotterdam Film Fest: New Platforms for Displaced Voices

The International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) and its industry initiative, IFFR Pro, are introducing significant innovations for their upcoming editions. The festival, scheduled from January 29 to February 8, 2026, will see its co-production market, CineMart, host 21 feature projects and its Darkroom platform feature 10 works-in-progress.

A new initiative, Lightroom, will consolidate all XR, VR, and interactive projects, marking a first for the festival. Additionally, the inaugural CineMart x HBF strand will showcase six projects previously supported by the Hubert Bals Fund (HBF). A pilot program called 'Safe Harbour' aims to support stateless and displaced filmmakers, providing a crucial pathway for those facing access barriers.

IFFR Pro head Marten Rabarts highlighted CineMart's role in discovering breakthrough talent alongside established auteurs. He noted the urgent need for diverse stories, from those addressing war and climate change to narratives exploring identity and queerness. The festival continues its commitment to supporting voices from regions with limited local film funding and infrastructure.

This year also features the inaugural HBF Reunion, bringing together filmmakers to foster community and collaboration. Rabarts emphasized Rotterdam's DNA of curiosity and openness to new voices, particularly from underrepresented parts of the world. This inclusive approach is vital as global challenges mount and film financing becomes increasingly complex, with a rise in multi-partner co-productions.

Regional trends at CineMart include a resurgence of films from Asia and a return of independent American cinema seeking European support. Initiatives like Safe Harbour are designed to lower eligibility barriers for displaced filmmakers, offering a platform for projects from Syria, Gaza, Sudan, and Myanmar. The festival prioritizes ensuring these films not only get made but are also widely seen, fostering critical thinking among audiences.