IFFR 2027 Rotterdam – International Film Festival for Independent Cinema

Welcome to the International Film Festival Rotterdam 2027 in Rotterdam

The 56th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) runs from 28 January to 7 February 2027 in Rotterdam. One of Europe’s leading festivals for independent, experimental and innovative cinema, IFFR turns the city into an international film hub for eleven days. Screenings take place at venues across Rotterdam; the festival heart is de Doelen on Kruisplein, a short walk from Rotterdam Centraal station.

Highlights & Attractions at IFFR in Rotterdam

• A broad selection of features, short and mid-length films, documentaries, and immersive or experimental works from around the world.
• Competitions and programmes focused on new voices, including the Tiger Awards for bold debuts and sections dedicated to independent and art-house cinema.
• Festival hub at de Doelen (Kruisplein 30) plus venues such as Pathé Schouwburgplein, Theater Rotterdam, Cinerama, KINO, LantarenVenster, Oude Luxor and Nieuwe Luxor.
• IFFR Pro Days (30 January–3 February) and CineMart including Darkroom (31 January–3 February) as key industry platforms for filmmakers and producers.
• Art Directions: installations, immersive media and sound/vision formats at additional sites such as Katoenhuis.
• Talks, audience events and special days (including Volkskrantdag on 7 February), plus regional strands such as RTM for Rotterdam and the surrounding area.
• Accessibility measures at most main venues and clear guidance on wheelchair seating via official festival service.

Program & Schedule: What to Expect in 2027

The full 2027 film programme is due in the week of 14 December; the detailed screening schedule is set to go live on 8 January. IFFR typically presents hundreds of titles from dozens of countries — from auteur and experimental cinema to documentaries, VR and installation works. Premieres, competitions and thematic strands sit alongside talks and industry events.

Screenings usually run throughout the day, from morning or afternoon into the late evening. Exact opening and start times vary by venue and day. Industry focus periods (IFFR Pro and CineMart) fall at the end of January and start of February. Audience-oriented days such as Volkskrantdag on 7 February and VPRO preview/review formats complete the offer. Day-by-day schedules and venue maps are published on the official website.

Tickets & Admission for IFFR Rotterdam

General ticket sales for IFFR 2027 open on 14 January at 20:00 according to the official calendar. Earlier windows apply to VPRO days (from 27 November), Volkskrantdag (from 2 December), festival specials (from 17 December), and Visionaries/Pioneers, Pro, Press and Tiger Members (from 13 January). Exact 2027 ticket prices have not been published yet. For orientation, 2026 public prices (in euro) were: regular feature 13.50; short and mid-length 9.50; on demand 8.50; Tiger Talks 5.00; Big Talks 13.50; Art Directions installations 7.50; immersive formats 12.50; opening and closing nights with party 25.00. Under-23 and student rates were 8.50 (feature) and 5.50 (short). Tickets are sold via iffr.com; during the festival, ticket support desks operate at de Doelen and LantarenVenster. E-tickets with QR codes are sufficient — printing is not required.

Visitor Tips: Travel & Accommodation in Rotterdam

• Getting there: Rotterdam Centraal is the main gateway. de Doelen is about a five- to ten-minute walk. Metro (lines A–E), tram and bus (RET) link all venues; park-and-ride sites on the edge of the city allow parking then travel by public transport. Bikes and the water taxi are practical for Katoenhuis and the Kop van Zuid.
• Weather and clothing: Late January and early February in Rotterdam are typically cool, windy and often wet (often around 0–8 °C). Pack warm layers, waterproof shoes and a compact rain jacket; large umbrellas can be awkward in crowded auditoriums.
• Where to stay: Hotels and apartments near Centraal Station, Schouwburgplein and the city centre are in high demand during the festival. Book early and allow time between venues — many are walkable or a short metro/tram ride apart.
• On site: Create an account on iffr.com, mark favourites and buy tickets as soon as your slots open. Venues scan the QR code from your phone. Bring ID or proof for any discounted rate. de Doelen works well as a meeting point between screenings.
• Accessibility and service: Most major venues are wheelchair accessible; reserve wheelchair seats in advance through official festival service. Programme guides, digital schedules and live updates are published on iffr.com — that is the definitive source for dates, lineup and sale windows.