International Film Festival Rotterdam Welcomes Esteemed Speakers

Costa Gavras, Miike Takashi, and Mohammad Rasoulof are among the notable speakers set to participate in the 54th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), scheduled from January 30 to February 9.

Engaging Conversations at IFFR

The festival will feature two main conversation series: Big Talks, which will host discussions with prominent figures from various fields, and Tiger Talks, focusing on film-related themes such as feminism, colonial legacies, and the sociopolitical impact of cinema.

RTM Day and IFFR Pro Days

Additional discussions will occur during RTM Day, a special program dedicated to Rotterdam on January 31. Furthermore, the IFFR Pro Dialogues, aimed at industry professionals, will take place from January 31 to February 5.

Special Guests and Film Presentations

During the festival, IFFR will also host various special guests who will present their selected works, including Payal Kapadia (“All We Imagine as Light”), Jan-Willem van Ewijk (“Alpha”), and Wang Bing (“Youth: Trilogy”).

Notable Additions to Big Talks

Joining the Big Talks lineup are acclaimed Greek-French director Costa Gavras and prolific Japanese filmmaker Miike Takashi. Miike’s participation is particularly noteworthy, as IFFR significantly contributed to his rise in international cinema. They will join previously announced speakers like Albertina Carri and Cheryl Dunye, known for their innovative storytelling and exploration of complex identities.

Exploring Critical Themes in Tiger Talks

Tiger Talks will delve into pressing topics such as “Cinema and the Rise of Authoritarianism,” “Depicting Nightlife,” and “True Crime.” This series will also feature discussions with IFFR 2025’s Artists in Focus, including explorations of women’s history in film and the socio-political evolution of Ukraine.

Unique Insights from Filmmakers

Saeed Nouri will present rare clips from 1940s-60s Iranian cinema alongside the world premiere of his film “Tehran, an Unfinished History.” Additionally, filmmaker Jessica Sarah Rinland and art historian Sophie Berrebi will discuss how utilitarian photography and film challenge traditional representation.

Art Directions Program

This year’s Art Directions will feature a special program with renowned artist Amie Siegel, followed by screenings of her works “Panorama” and “Bloodlines.”

Collaboration with International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk

The Tiger Talk “Cinema and the Rise of Authoritarianism” will be co-hosted with the International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk, featuring directors like Mohammad Rasoulof and Albertina Carri.

RTM Program Focused on Local Artists

The RTM program will highlight local artists and their stories, including discussions on the writing process of “Drie dagen vis” and speculative talks about the city of Rotterdam.

New Meet the Expert Sessions

This year, the IFFR Pro program introduces Meet the Expert sessions featuring industry veterans like Alex Boden and Bianca Balbuena, who will share valuable insights with delegates.

Festival Director’s Vision

Vanja Kaludjercic, the festival director, stated: “IFFR creates a space for discovery and dialogue, spotlighting leading and emerging creators with unique perspectives. We are thrilled to welcome audiences back with an eclectic mix of speakers, from Miike Takashi to Alex Ross Perry.”

Complete Lineup of Talks

The festival will feature a diverse array of talks, including:

BIG TALKS

• Alex Ross Perry – Reflecting on his inspirations and creative journey.
• Cate Blanchett and Guy Maddin – Discussing their collaboration on “Rumours” and the role of film festivals.
• Cheryl Dunye and Albertina Carri – Sharing experiences in radical queer filmmaking.
• Costa Gavras and Sungji Oh – Discussing archival film practices and cultural memory.
• Miike Takashi and Saka Misako – Delving into the philosophy of filmmaking.
• Steffen Haars and Joseph Kahn – Exploring their unique career paths.

TIGER TALKS

• “Bloodlines” and Live Talk with Amie Siegel – Discussing connections between art and people.
• “Cinema and the Rise of Authoritarianism” – Insights from filmmakers facing censorship.
• “Depicting Nightlife” – Celebrating nightlife culture in film.
• “Futurisms” – Exploring genre and format transcendence.
• “Hold Video in Your Hands” – Reflecting on the impact of VHS on film engagement.
• Jessica Sarah Rinland and Sophie Berrebi – Discussing the reliability of visual documents.

RTM TALKS

• “All Good Things Come in Threes” – A deep dive into the writing process of “Three Days of Fish.”
• “Expanding Frames – Filmmaking as Research” – An intimate conversation on filmmaking as a research practice.
• “Imagine the City Otherwise” – Speculating on the city of Rotterdam through a different lens.

IFFR PRO DIALOGUES

During the IFFR Pro Days, the program will feature discussions on:

• “Access is Power” – Investigating accessibility in the film industry.
• “The State of Queer Film” – Showcasing radical expression and activism.
• “Taking the Pulse: Festivals in 2025” – Examining the role of festivals in the current industry.
• “The Ethics and Aesthetics of AI-Generated Film” – Exploring the implications of AI in filmmaking.

On February 4, IFFR Pro will focus on Dutch filmmaking talent with a program titled “Pulling Focus: NL 2025,” featuring discussions on the global impact of Dutch cinema.

Person

Costa Gavras, Miike Takashi, Mohammad Rasoulof, Payal Kapadia, Jan-Willem van Ewijk, Uberto Pasolini, Matthieu Delaporte, Julie Gayet, Albert Serra, Lou Ye, Wang Bing, Katja Raganelli, Sergii Masloboishchykov, Saeed Nouri, Jessica Sarah Rinland, Sophie Berrebi, Amie Siegel, Alex Ross Perry, Cate Blanchett, Guy Maddin, Cheryl Dunye, Albertina Carri, Sungji Oh, Misako Saka, Steffen Haars, Joseph Kahn, Fabrice du Welz, Annegriet Wietsma, Lol Crawley, Peter Hoogendoorn, Ine Lamers, Sam Koopman, Ena Sendijarević, Renée Soutendijk, Alex Boden, Bianca Balbuena, Claire Dobbin, Vanja Kaludjercic

Company Names

International Film Festival Rotterdam, IFFR, Rotterdam Writers’ Room, International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk, IDFA, European Film Academy, IFFR Pro

Titles

All We Imagine as Light, Alpha, The Return, Le Comte de Monte-Cristo, Six jours, Tardes de soledad, An Unfinished Film, Youth: Trilogy, Art Directions, Bloodlines, Rumours, Three Days of Fish, Tehran, an Unfinished History, The Seed of the Sacred Fig, Maldoror, Deventer Mediazaak, True Crime, Women in Film – The Katja Raganelli Method, Cinema and the Rise of Authoritarianism, Depicting Nightlife, Futurisms, Hold Video in Your Hands, The History of Pre-revolutionary Iranian Cinema, Through Cinema We Shall Rise!

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