The 34th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) willopen on January 26 with French court documentary The 10th District Court,Moments Of Trials (10e Chambre, Instants D'audiences) by Raymond Depardon.

Later that evening the IFFR will present Sideways by US director Alexander Payne as its first 2005public screening.

The IFFR will close next on February 5 with Howl's MovingCastle by Japanese filmmaker HayaoMiyazaki.

IFFR director Sandra den Hamer commented: "These filmsoffer an outstanding reflection of what the IFFR wants to celebrate:open-mindedness, a humane attitude towards mankind and the creative force offantasy."