The Leiden International Film Festival (LIFF) is a film festival based in the Netherlands. The Leiden International Film Festival was founded in 2006 by Alexander Mouret, Michaël Roumen, Michel Zorge, Wouter de Bres and Job Zeestraten.
LIFF screens approximately one hundred films annually across different categories. In addition to film screenings, the festival offers Q&As with filmmakers, special events, and collaborations with cultural institutions in the city. The festival is structured around three central pillars, each with its own competition: Independent (American Indie Competition), Emerging (First Feature Competition), and Extraordinary (Bonkers! Competition).
In addition to (pre-)premieres and new arthouse films, the festival also selects lesser-known independent films, with the aim of providing them access to the European market.
Programming The program of the Leiden International Film Festival consists of several components, organized around three highlights: Emerging, Independent and Extraordinary.
American Indie Competition The American Indie Competition consists of American independent films. The competition focuses on introducing emerging American filmmakers to a Dutch audience.
First Feature Competition In the First Feature Competition, LIFF presents international filmmakers with their first feature-length film. The selected films originate from various countries and reflect a range of film styles and perspectives.
Bonkers! Competition The Bonkers! Competition focuses on unconventional and experimental films. The selection includes productions that engage with genre conventions and are characterized by their non-traditional approach.
Independent: Selections Independent: Selections presents films by established and independent filmmakers. These are often (pre-)premieres that are screened for the first time in the Netherlands or during the festival.
Emerging: Selections Emerging: Selections focuses on the work of emerging filmmakers and actors. The selected films are characterized by new perspectives and an independent production context.
Extraordinary: Selections Extraordinary: Selections comprises special screenings and events, in which film screenings are combined with additional elements, such as unique locations or live performances.
Shorts The shorts programs consist of a selection of short films from various genres. Within this section, several programs are distinguished, including an American Indie program featuring short films by American filmmakers, a Bonkers program with experimental and unconventional productions, and an International program showcasing short films from different countries.
Summer Special In addition to the annual festival in October and/or November, the Leiden International Film Festival organizes the LIFF Summer Special in the summer. This event consists of a series of open-air screenings held at the Pieterskerkplein in Leiden.
Locations Film screenings of the Leiden International Film Festival primarily take place in cinemas in the city center of Leiden, including Trianon and Kijkhuis. In addition, the festival programs screenings at other locations in the city, such as cultural institutions and special outdoor venues.
The opening event of the 2013 edition was held in the historic Pieterskerk, where two films by Charlie Chaplin were screened with live musical accompaniment by the Residentieorkest. In 2015, a screening of Spring Breakers took place in a local swimming pool, and in 2016 the festival screened films in the greenhouse of the Hortus botanicus Leiden.
Education The Leiden International Film Festival organizes educational programs throughout the year for primary and secondary education. During the festival, special school screenings and workshops are offered.
In addition, the festival develops projects aimed at the active participation of students, such as organizing film screenings or festivals by and for young people. Outside the festival period, LIFF also offers educational activities in collaboration with schools and cultural institutions in the region.
Opening films and prize winners Year Opening film Competition Winner 2006 The Black Dahlia - - 2007 American Gangster - - 2008 W. - - 2009 The Informant! - - 2010 You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger Iron Herring (Untitled) 2011 Margin Call Iron Herring Avé 2012 Argo Iron Herring Safety Not Guaranteed 2013 The Immigrant & The Pilgrim American Indie Competition: Short Term 12 2014 Whiplash American Indie Competition:Audience Award: WhiplashPride2015Steve Jobs (film)American Indie Competition: Audience Award:Me and Earl and the Dying Girl Le tout nouveau Testament2016ArrivalAmerican Indie Competition: Audience Award:Burn Your Maps Toni Erdmann2017SuburbiconAmerican Indie Competition:Audience Award:MenasheVele hemels boven de zevende2018American AnimalsAmerican Indie Competition:Audience Award:Leave No TraceWerk ohne Autor2019Jojo RabbitAmerican Indie Competition:Audience Award:The Peanut Butter Falcon Hors Normes2020Nomadland, Supernova, Save Yourselves!, Las Niñas, Wildland, Yallah! UndergroundAmerican Indie Competition:Audience Award:NomadlandSupernova2021Ich bin dein MenschAmerican Indie Competition:Audience Award:First Feature Competition: MassMaixabelDeath of a virgin, and the sin of not living2022The Banshees of InisherinAmerican Indie Competition:Audience Award:First Feature Competition: VengeanceRoseEverybody hates Johan2023Dream ScenarioAmerican Indie Competition:
Publieksprijs:
First Feature Competition:
Bonkers Competition:Starring Jerry as Himself Radical
20,000 Species of Bees
Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person2024My Old AssAmerican Indie Competition: Publieksprijs: First Feature Competition: Bonkers Competition:Ghostlight Kneecap
Just a Couple of Days
Kneecap2025SplitsvilleAmerican Indie Competition: Publieksprijs:
First Feature Competition:
Bonkers Competition:Plainclothes All That's Left of You
Julian
Secret Mall Apartment
European Network for Independent American Cinema
In 2014, LIFF launched the European Network for Independent American Cinema in collaboration with the American Film Festival in Poland. Its mission is to promote American Independent productions throughout Europe. The Network works to fulfil this mission through its film festival members in Europe and its supporting partners in Asia and North America.
All the participating film festivals are platforms for American independent films in their respective regions. They all work closely within the Network, but embody diversity and individual artistic identity, through their distinct programming choices. They feature both press and audience screenings and offer a side events including classes, conferences and industry pitching, bringing together a wide spectrum of viewers an industry professionals to share experiences and knowledge.
See also Leiden International Short Film Festival
References
External links
Official announcement of the American Indie Competition in Filmmaker Magazine. with LIFF director Alexander Mouret Withoutabox