International Film Festival Rotterdam

The International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) is an essential event for film enthusiasts, held annually in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Since its inception in 1972, the festival has become a beacon for independent and experimental cinema, offering a platform for emerging and established filmmakers alike. IFFR is renowned for its emphasis on avant-garde media art and arthouse films, with a particular focus on short films by artists and experimental directors. Additionally, the festival hosts initiatives such as CineMart and BoostNL, which facilitate financial support for film producers seeking to realize their projects.

The festival commenced in 1972 under the name 'Film International,' driven by the vision of Huub Bals, who sought to champion distinctive, non-commercial films, especially those from the Far East and developing nations. In 1983, CineMart was introduced as a film market, which later transformed into a co-production market to encourage collaborations between producers and financiers. Following the sudden passing of Huub Bals in 1988, the Hubert Bals Fund was established to support filmmakers from developing countries.

In 1995, the festival launched the VPRO Tiger Awards, transitioning from a purely non-competitive event. Over the years, IFFR has been led by various directors, including Simon Field, Sandra den Hamer, Rutger Wolfson, Bero Beyer, and Vanja Kaludjercic. Despite facing some financial challenges in the mid-1980s, the festival has continued to flourish, attracting over 300,000 visitors by 2015.

IFFR utilizes multiple venues across Rotterdam, such as Pathé cinema at Schouwburgplein, De Doelen, Cinerama, WORM, Oude Luxor Theater, Theater Rotterdam Schouwburg, KINO, and Lantaren Venster. The prestigious Tiger Award has enjoyed sponsorship from various benefactors over the years, including VPRO, Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds, and Hivos.