Rotterdam Film Festival 2026 Unveils Major Lineup with World Premieres

The International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) announced its latest selections. This happened on Thursday for its upcoming 2026 edition. The festival revealed new titles for its Harbour and Bright Future programs. The first Limelight selections were also confirmed. The festival will run from January 29 to February 8.

This announcement highlights the festival’s commitment to innovative cinema. It includes several world and international premieres. The event remains a key platform for global independent filmmaking.

Diverse Selection Anchors Harbour and Bright Future Programs

The Harbour section features a wide range of contemporary cinema. It will host the world premiere of “The Misconceived” by James N. Kienitz Wilkins. This is an experimental 3D-rendered comedy. The section also includes the international premiere of “Gaua,” a dark Basque fairy tale.

Another highlight is “Songs of Hope and Despair…” by the Chto Delat collective. This is a performance-based film. The Bright Future section spotlights directorial debuts. It includes the world premiere of the Japanese psychological horror “IAI.”

The program also features “Why Do I See You in Everything?” from Belgium. These selections promise fresh voices and original storytelling. They reflect the festival’s curatorial vision.

Limelight Highlights and Focus on Short Films

The Limelight program showcases festival circuit highlights. It will present the European premiere of Yoji Yamada’s “Tokyo Taxi.” The Philippine political drama “Quezon” will also have its European premiere there. These films are among the past year’s most anticipated works.

IFFR also detailed its Shorts Focus programs. One focuses on the Collectif Faire-Part, a Belgian and Congolese artist group. Their work explores colonial history and decolonization. The other spotlights Japanese artist Tetsuya Maruyama and his analogue film practice.

Festival director Vanja Kaludjercic emphasized welcoming all audiences. She said the selections reflect creative energy and curiosity. The shorts programs offer bold, distinctive voices for Rotterdam.

The Rotterdam Film Festival 2026 lineup solidifies its role as a discoverer of vital cinematic art. This eclectic mix ensures a compelling event for global audiences and industry professionals alike.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: What are the key world premieres at IFFR 2026?

“The Misconceived” and “IAI” are among the featured world premieres. The Chto Delat collective’s performance film will also debut globally at the festival.

Q2: When does the Rotterdam Film Festival 2026 take place?

The 55th edition is scheduled from January 29 to February 8, 2026. The festival is held annually in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Q3: What is the Harbour program?

Harbour is a main section echoing the city’s port identity. It offers a safe haven for a wide spectrum of contemporary auteur cinema.

Q4: What type of films are in the Bright Future section?

Bright Future is dedicated to feature-length directorial debuts. It highlights films with original subject matter and a distinctive individual style.

Q5: Who is featured in the Shorts Focus programs?

One program focuses on the decolonial work of Collectif Faire-Part. The other showcases the multidisciplinary art of Tetsuya Maruyama.