The International Film Festival Rotterdam (IRFF) will bring audiences together both online and in person in a hybrid format in June 2021.
The format includes a film programme available on demand in the Netherlands, and physically in Rotterdam, as well as in collaboration with cinemas across the country. The move is an adaptation as required to coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, according to a statement from the event.
The line-up will comprise of the new programme Harbour, alongside Bright Future, Cinema Regained, and the Short & Mid-length programme, with a festive selection of outdoor open-air screenings of IFFR classics.
The Art Directions programme completes the physical offering with live performances, Virtual Reality, a travelling installation, and specials for the festival’s 50th edition. Together, these will offer the chance to celebrate the close of this anniversary edition together in person.
Festival director Vanja Kaludjercic said, “As we witness small signs of society gradually opening up, we are incredibly proud to celebrate cinema in June during the closing chapter of our 50th edition.”
Kaludjercic added, “If cinemas reopen we will be there to welcome audiences to the big screen.”
Like in February, the festival will also be present online with its full programme and Q&As accessible via IFFR.com.
“We are excited to share a wide range of works, from the discovery of cinematic gems in Cinema Regained to first features of Bright Future hand-picked by each of our programmers,” she said, adding, “As well as an eclectic selection of commissioned works in Art Directions and of course our new main programme Harbour.”
No matter what, the festival will be here both for its audiences and filmmakers to offer fresh perspectives and a great plurality of voices, Kaludjercic said.
