How to Survive the International Film Festival Rotterdam

The International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) is an annual festival where filmmakers from all over the world present their films to a city that seems to buzz even more than normal when the festival is happening.

If you have never been to a film festival before, I highly recommend it. And if you have never been to the IFFR before but have the opportunity, then I doubly recommend it.

Film festivals can be a little intimidating and confusing to first-timers but with the tips below, you will survive just fine. So sit back, relax and enjoy some popcorn (unless you are at De Doelen, then no food and drinks are allowed inside).

Photo credit: International Film Festival Rotterdam

1. Plan Early and Carefully

The full schedule of the IFFR becomes available around one week prior to the event. That means you need to be on your toes and ready to complete your research as soon as the schedule appears, in order to ensure you have enough time to plan and buy your tickets before they sell out. When planning, make sure that you pay attention to the venue and the start/end times of the films you want to see. A gap of five minutes between films, with the films at venues that are 15 minutes apart is going to make things extra tricky for you. Also be aware that some (not all) of the directors run Q&A sessions after the film. If you think you are going to want to listen to the director (assuming he or she is there) don’t book a film for ten minutes later.
 

2. Purchase Quickly

Online ticket sales start shortly after the programme has become available, with Tiger Friends and Unlimited Pass holders getting one day prior access to purchase their tickets. Know what you want to see and the date of when ticket sales open to ensure that you get your first choice(s).
 

3. No Assigned Seats

There are no assigned seats when it comes to the festival. Typically doors open 15 minutes before the screening, so if you want a good seat make sure you arrive on time (hence the importance of point one). For sold out screenings you will be asked to move to the centre, eliminating gaps. If you like an aisle seat, be prepared for this.

Photo credit: International Film Festival Rotterdam

4. Check About the Subtitles

In general, films shown at the IFFR are either in English or have English subtitles. There are, however, some where this isn’t the case, and Dutch subtitled films are making more of an appearance. You can find out which ones this applies to in the daily schedule that appears in the Daily Tiger, a free newspaper available at all the venues. You can also check the website and/or ask at one of the information desks. Don’t feel embarrassed to do so as there is nothing worse than being in the middle of the row with no escape for a two and a half hour film that is in a language you don’t understand.
 

5. Last Minute Tickets

Tickets that are still available one hour before a film, are sold at 50% off at the Last Minute Ticket Shop. This can be a great way to fit in an extra film at a fraction of the price.
 

6. Sales In and Around the City

The IFFR isn’t just about the films. You’ll find IFFR discounts or specials at many of the hotels, restaurants and shops in and around the city, especially the ones closest to the multiple festival venues.
 

7. Utilise the Full Festival

Make sure you take advantage of everything the festival has to offer. Don’t miss out on the gift shops, the free newspapers, the information desks, and the extra talks and events that happen over the two weeks. Picking up the Daily Tiger (half English, half Dutch) each day really helps to ensure you are up-to-date.
 

8. Think Outside the Box

A film festival isn’t a film festival if you don’t try something new. Just remember, many of these films are being made on small budgets and for some, in risky circumstances. If you keep that in mind when you watch the film, you might find you appreciate it more.