Costa Gavras, Miike Takashi and Mohammad Rasoulof Join Speakers at Rotterdam Festival

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I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve been added to the esteemed lineup of speakers at the International Film Festival Rotterdam for its 54th edition, happening from January 30 to February 9. Notable directors such as Costa Gavras, Miike Takashi, and Mohammad Rasoulof will also be part of this exciting event.

At IFFR, you’ll find two main discussion threads: Grand Dialogues, where esteemed figures from different fields engage in stimulating discussions, and Tiger Talks, which delve into movie-related topics, tackling subjects such as feminism, the impact of colonialism, and cinema’s role in social and political discourse.

Extra discussions are scheduled for RTM Day, a special event within IFFR’s schedule focusing on Rotterdam, happening on January 31st.

Additionally, the IFFR Pro Dialogues series, which features talks centered around the industry, will take place during the IFFR Pro Days from January 31st to February 5th.

Additionally, during the festival, IFFR plans to invite more distinguished guests to showcase their selected works. These include Payal Kapadia (“All We Imagine as Light”), Jan-Willem van Ewijk (“Alpha.”), Uberto Pasolini (“The Return”), Matthieu Delaporte (“Le Comte de Monte-Cristo”), Julie Gayet (“Six Days”), Albert Serra (“Times of Sunset”), Lou Ye (“An Unfinished Film”) and Wang Bing (“Youth: Trilogy”).

The upcoming lineup for Big Talks welcomes esteemed additions: Greek-French filmmaker Costa Gavras and Japanese powerhouse Miike Takashi. Notably, Miike will be in Rotterdam, a city that significantly boosted his international career during his time at IFFR. Previously announced speakers for Big Talks include the bold storytellers Albertina Carri and Cheryl Dunye, who are recognized for their innovative approaches to unconventional tales and intricate character portrayals.

Tiger Talks will delve into various themes such as “The Impact of Cinema on Authoritarianism,” “Portraying Nightlife Scenes,” and “Real-Life Crimes.” This segment will also include workshops led by the Artists in Focus at IFFR 2025, where we’ll discuss the role of women in film with Katja Raganelli, the relationship between history, archives, and fiction with Timoteus Anggawan Kusno and Matthew Lax, and the political journey of Ukraine through the lens of cinema with Sergii Masloboishchykov, a pioneering Ukrainian director who made his debut at IFFR in 1995 and is back this year with the world premiere of “Yasa.

Moreover, Saeed Nouri plans to present unique clips from Iranian cinema popular in the 1940s-60s alongside the debut screening of his movie “Tehran, an Unfinished History.” Filmmaker Jessica Sarah Rinland and art historian Sophie Berrebi will also engage in a conversation about how practical photography and filmmaking can disrupt traditional perspectives on representation and knowledge.

This year, I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing “Art Directions,” a unique cinematic event that presents an exceptional collection of films. The highlight of this program is a captivating conversation with the acclaimed artist Amie Siegel, followed by screenings of her masterpieces, “Panorama” and “Bloodlines.” It’s a must-see for any film enthusiast!

The “Tiger Talk: Cinema and the Rise of Authoritarianism,” part of IFFR Pro Dialogues industry discussions, will co-host with the International Coalition for Filmmakers at Risk (ICFR), a consortium founded by IFFR, IDFA, and the European Film Academy. This event will feature Mohammad Rasoulof, director of “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” alongside Albertina Carri, Pier Giorgio Bellocchio, Erhan Örs, and additional speakers yet to be announced.

The main focus of the RTM program will be on local artists and their compelling stories, which have a significant influence that extends beyond the city. Here’s what you can expect from this program:

1. A dialogue between Ine Lamers and Sam Koopman as part of one of the three scheduled talks.
2. A joint effort between IFFR and Rotterdam Writers’ Room, where we delve into the writing process behind “Drie dagen vis” with writer/director Peter Hoogendoorn.
3. An exploration into the future possibilities of the city of Rotterdam through the “Imagine the City Otherwise” talk.

The RTM program highlights local artists and their impactful stories, featuring talks such as a conversation between Ine Lamers and Sam Koopman, a deep dive into the writing process of “Drie dagen vis,” and speculation about the city of Rotterdam’s future.

This year at the IFFR Pro program, there are exclusive Meet the Expert sessions being introduced for the first time. These sessions offer a chance to get up close and personal with industry professionals such as experienced international producers Alex Boden and Bianca Balbuena, as well as script-consultant Claire Dobbin. They will provide valuable insights into their work practices, which they’ll generously share with IFFR Pro delegates.

Vanja Kaludjercic, the festival director at IFFR, stated: “Every year, IFFR provides a venue where people can gather for exploration and conversation. We highlight innovative and upcoming creators with distinct viewpoints or specialized knowledge to impart on our viewers and participants – offering a stage for new thoughts. Our team has carefully selected an intriguing and diverse array of speakers, ranging from Japanese film icon Miike Takashi to Alex Ross Perry, whose latest work is featured in our Focus Program on VHS culture. With Big Talks centered around individual artists and their craft, as well as Tiger Talks, which delve into complex topics – we can’t wait to welcome guests back.

The full lineup of talks is as follows:

INSIGHTFUL CONVERSATIONS WITH ALEX ROSS PERRY
Known for his unyielding approach to independent filmmaking, Alex Ross Perry discusses his influences and artistic pathway.

Cate Blanchett and Guy Maddin are set to engage in a comprehensive conversation covering various aspects of their collaborative work on “Rumours”, the significance of film festivals, the longevity of the short film genre, and additional subjects.

As a passionate cinephile, I’d like to highlight two trailblazing figures in the world of radical queer cinema: Albertina Carri and Cheryl Dunye. Their unique journeys offer captivating insights into the art and challenges of filmmaking from a queer perspective.

Filmmaker Costa-Gavras and museum curator Sungji Oh delve into the impact that archived films have on shaping our collective cultural recollections.

Miike Takashi shares insights about his approach to filmmaking, with producer Misako Saka by his side, offering support and guidance throughout the process.

Explore the diverse works and unconventional journeys of movie directors Joseph Kahn and Steffen Haars.

A Discussion with Amie Siegel: “Bloodlines” and Live Q&A
Amie Siegel’s “Bloodlines”, a cinematic exploration of George Stubbs’ paintings, uncovers the links between art and human stories. Following the screening, join us for an engaging conversation with artist and filmmaker Amie Siegel as she delves into her creative process and unique methods of blending film, video, photography, sculpture, painting, and installation in her work.

Exploring the Impact of Authoritarian Rule on Filmmaking: Insights from Directors Facing Freedom Restrictions

Showcasing Vibrant Nights: How Film Makers of IFFR Highlight Nightlife Culture Through Their Work

Omar Rodríguez-López, a forward-thinking artist who works across multiple disciplines, delves into the art of breaking boundaries between different artistic genres and mediums.

Reflecting on the impact, IFFR filmmakers and programmers ponder over how VHS revolutionized the way we interact with films.

Jessica Sarah Rinland, a filmmaker, and Sophie Berrebi, an art historian, engage in a conversation about archives, collections, and the trustworthiness of visual records.

In 2025, at IFFR, artists Timoteus Anggawan Kusno and Matthew Lax share insights about their individual creative approaches.

6th Recipient of the Robby Müller Award, Lol Crawley shares insights on his vast body of work.

What are the fundamental guidelines for moviemakers who operate at the junction of gaming and movie-making fields?

Sergii Masloboishchykov: A Pioneer of Ukrainian Cinema and His Impact on Ukraine’s Film History”

This title highlights the significance of Sergii Masloboishchykov as a groundbreaking figure in Ukrainian cinema, while also emphasizing the historical perspective of his work. The addition of “A 13-film retrospective” indicates that a collection of his films will be showcased, providing a comprehensive look at his career and contributions to Ukraine’s film industry.

Saeed Nouri’s work (‘Tehran, An Unfinished History,’ 2025) showcases seldom-seen clips from the cinematic era of pre-revolutionary Iran (1940s to 1960s).

By means of cinema, we ascend! Scholars and a movie director delve into the past of the Afro-Asian Film Festival, scrutinizing expressions of the ‘Spirit of Bandung.’

Discussing approaches for portraying real-life crime stories with sensitivity and respect, focusing on the perspectives of Fabrice du Welz, director of “Maldoror” (Limelight), and Annegriet Wietsma, creator of the “Deventer Mediazaak” podcast.

Katja Raganelli’s Journey into Documentary and Portrait Filmmaking – A 30-Year Retrospective”

This title aims to convey the same meaning as the original but in a more descriptive and engaging way, providing readers with a sense of the content’s focus on Katja Raganelli’s career spanning three decades and her work in documentaries and portraits.

RTM TALKS“All Good Things Come in Threes”

Exploring the creative journey behind “Three Days of Fish,” as we delve into the writing process alongside director Peter Hoogendoorn. This in-depth analysis is a joint effort by IFFR (International Film Festival Rotterdam) and the Rotterdam Writers’ Room.

Exploring the Art of Film through Research – A Personal Dialogue Between Ine Lamers and Sam Koopman

Delving into Filmmaking as a Study – A Deep Discussion between Ine Lamers and Sam Koopman

Let’s take a moment to envision an alternate version of the city of Rotterdam. If we were to look at it through a lens of speculation, what might it become?

During the IFFR Pro Days, which are from January 31st to February 5th, IFFR Pro offers ten engaging Dialogues and six Meet the Expert sessions. Here are some of the featured highlights:

Exploring Access is Power” delves into the topics of accessibility and fairness within the movie business, encompassing aspects happening both on set (behind the camera) and on screen (in front of the camera).

Exploring ‘The Queer Film Movement’ highlights films that embody bold self-expression, advocacy, and transformative storytelling from a diverse array of filmmakers featured in the festival program.

Exploring the Heartbeat: Festivals in 2025″ is calling on event organizers, curators, and cinematographers to discuss the influence of festivals within today’s market, questioning whether they can continue to serve as both gatekeepers and trendsetters.

Exploring the Ethical and Artistic Aspects of AI-Produced Movies” will encourage artists to delve into the morally gray area of AI, where it serves as both subject matter and image creator, while also addressing the challenges faced by curators and programmers in managing these films due to their intricate origins and ethical implications.

On February 4th, IFFR Pro is highlighting the talents of Dutch filmmaking by organizing a full day event, “Pulling Focus: NL 2025,” showcasing the global influence of Dutch cinematic artistry. The day includes a discussion between Ena Sendijarević (“Take Me Somewhere Nice,” “Sweet Dreams”) and renowned Dutch actress Renée Soutendijk, as well as an exploration into international Dutch co-production in collaboration with ACE Producers. The latter half of the day is dedicated to the topic of artificial intelligence.

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2025-01-16 02:18