IFFR in de Doelen: dit gebeurt er in het festivalhart
De Doelen is the festival heart of IFFR. As tradition dictates, the venue is once again filled with activity this year. From films and parties during the official opening and closing of IFFR to panel talks and exhibitions, visitors can also gather in the Willem Burger Hall for information, culinary bites, drinks and informal encounters.
Opening Night at De Doelen
IFFR 2026 opens on Thursday evening 29 January with the world premiere of Providence and the Guitar, a romantic and witty film by Portuguese director João Nicolau, inspired by the short novel of the same name by Robert Louis Stevenson. During Opening Night, the dance floor comes alive and the start of the festival is celebrated well into the late hours.
Closing Night at De Doelen
On Saturday 7 February, the festival edition concludes with Bazaar (Murder in the Building), a stylish crime comedy by Rémi Bezançon. After the screening, De Doelen hosts the Closing Night Party, where audiences, filmmakers and professionals come together to celebrate the 55th edition of IFFR.
Exhibition in Studio 2: de Doelen Art – One Drawing a Day
An exhibition in memory of Gertjan Zuilhof, who worked as a film programmer at IFFR for more than 25 years. As he once described it himself, he drew “like a monk”: one drawing a day. A simple discipline and a way of remaining present in the world.
Talks and in depth programme
IFFR’s Talks programme offers a platform for reflection and dialogue on film within a broader cultural context. At De Doelen and other locations, Big Talks and Tiger Talks bring together leading film and culture makers to explore themes such as feminism, colonialism, queer culture and cinematic practice. Speakers include international directors and cinematographers who share their perspectives and experiences.
As the festival heart of IFFR, De Doelen remains an open and accessible meeting place throughout the festival. Visitors are invited to explore the IFFR programme and are welcome to walk into De Doelen at any time during the festival.