IFFR unveils its 2024 line-up

by Martin Kudláč

18/12/2023 - The 53rd edition showcases cinematic storytelling in which diverse global perspectives converge to explore the complexities of human identity and societal dynamics

La parra by Alberto Gracia

The 53rd edition of International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR, 25 January-4 February 2024) will kick off with Jonathan Ogilvie's semi-autobiographical, post-punk, coming-of-age comedy Head South. “For over half a century, IFFR has stood as a haven for diverse voices – a convergence where artists share perspectives. Our programme celebrates the resilience and creativity of global filmmakers, a testament to cinema's power to transcend borders. From Indian to Japanese epics, a Kazakh thriller, Finnish Freudian reinterpretations, Dominican sci-fi and underground Iranian cinema, this selection invites you to dive in and immerse yourself,” says the IFFR’s festival director, Vanja Kaludjercic.

The 2024 IFFR Tiger Competition, a platform for emerging film talent featuring 14 titles, will have its winners selected by a jury comprising Marco Müller, Ena Sendijarević, Nadia Turincev, Herman Yau and Billy Woodberry. The selection explores identity, personal transformation, and the interplay between individuals and their environments. Moses [+see also:
film review
interview: Jenni Luhta, Lauri Luhta
film profile] by Jenni and Lauri Luhta reinterprets historical and mythical figures, with Jenni portraying Sigmund Freud and Lauri stepping into the shoes of Moses while dealing with the birth of monotheism. In The Rim [+see also:
film review
film profile], Alberto Gracia crafts a deeply personal homage to his adolescence in Ferrol, Spain, intertwining the city's identity with his own life story. Yves Netzhammer's Journey of Shadows [+see also:
film review
film profile] presents a surreal journey that uncovers a dystopian universe, while Swimming Home [+see also:
film review
film profile] by Justin Anderson explores the undercurrents of family dynamics and unresolved traumas through surreal and darkly comic lenses. Me, Maryam, the Children and 26 Others [+see also:
film review
interview: Farshad Hashemi
film profile] by Farshad Hashemi tells a poignant story of change and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of filmmaking.

The Big Screen Competition tackles the topics of choice, identity and society. Aire: Just Breathe by Leticia Tonos projects a dystopian future where human existence and ethical choices intertwine with technology. Ville Suhonen’s Children of War and Peace [+see also:
film review
film profile] delves into the manipulation of children's roles in society, reflecting on the impact of nationalist education and state control. Trust [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Daniele Luchetti
film profile] by Daniele Luchetti addresses the complexities of relationships and the consequences of choices on personal identity, while Ulaa Salim’s Eternal [+see also:
film review
interview: Ulaa Salim
film profile] homes in on the repercussions of prioritising one’s career over love, offering a poignant look at life's alternative paths. Milk Teeth [+see also:
film review
interview: Mona Cathleen Otterbach
interview: Sophia Bösch
film profile] by Sophia Bösch presents a modern fairy tale that focuses on motherhood and belonging, highlighting the struggles inherent in integration and personal independence, and Rodrigo Areias’ The Worst Man in London [+see also:
film review
film profile] offers a historical perspective on artistic freedom and moral ambiguity.

The Harbour section, meanwhile, showcases a diverse selection that digs into themes of self-discovery, societal norms and the human condition. From the surreal western journey of sound artists Lolo and Sosaku in Lolo & Sosaku The Western Archive by Sergio Caballero to the introspective Future Me by Vincent Boy Kars, these films explore personal and collective identities in unique settings. Romania’s Maia – Portrait with Hands embarks on a cultural and historical journey, while Billy Woodberry’s Mário offers a biographical look at a revolutionary figure. The exploration continues with Stefanie Kolk’s Milk [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Stefanie Kolk
film profile], a poignant narrative of grief and resilience, and Memory Dealers by Mila van der Linden, a dystopian tale with political undertones. Each movie, whether it's the thrilling NL-Alert, the reflective The Waste Land, the provocative Trauma Porn Club, the dystopian Venus or the mediaeval horror Witte Wieven, presents a distinct perspective on navigating life's complexities.

The immersive experiences merge technology, nature and human perception, challenging viewers to reconsider their place in the world in the Art Directions section. The Assembly transforms communication into a VR symphony of sounds and rhythms, fostering a unique sense of community. Asunder critically examines the role of AI in environmental management, playfully critiquing technology's dominance in solving global challenges. Meanwhile, Naima Joris: 'O' blends live music with captivating microscopic imagery of plankton, highlighting the interconnectivity of life. In addition, the festival will close with the European premiere of M Raihan Halim’s La Luna, which promises to leave audiences deep in reflection yet entertained, as it cleverly juxtaposes religious orthodoxy with liberal ideals in the tale of a Malaysian village disrupted by an upscale lingerie store.

The two feature competition line-ups are as follows:

Tiger Competition

The Ballad of Suzanne Césaire - Madeleine Hunt-Ehrlich (USA)
Flathead - Jaydon Martin (Australia)
Grey Bees - Dmytro Moiseiev (Ukraine)
Kiss Wagon - Midhun Murali (India)
Me, Maryam, the Children and 26 Others [+see also:
film review
interview: Farshad Hashemi
film profile] - Farshad Hashemi (Iran/Germany/Czech Republic)
Moses [+see also:
film review
interview: Jenni Luhta, Lauri Luhta
film profile] - Jenni Luhta, Lauri Luhta (Finland)
The Rim [+see also:
film review
film profile] - Alberto Gracia (Spain)
Formosa Beach [+see also:
film review
interview: Julia De Simone
film profile] - Julia De Simone (Brazil/Portugal)
Rei - Tanaka Toshihiko (Japan)
Journey of Shadows [+see also:
film review
film profile] - Yves Netzhammer (Switzerland)
She Fell to Earth - Susie Au (Hong Kong)
sr - Lea Hartlaub (Germany)
Swimming Home [+see also:
film review
film profile] - Justin Anderson (UK)
Under a Blue Sun [+see also:
film review
film profile] - Daniel Mann (France/Israel)