International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), taking place from January 29 to February 8, 2026, has added a slew of premieres to its Harbour and Bright Future strands, and confirmed the first of its selections for its Limelight strand.
The Harbour section for contemporary cinema has added the world premieres of experimental 3D-rendered comedy The Misconceived from US filmmaker James N. Kienitz Wilkins; and performance-based film Songs Of Hope And Despair. Performed By Bundschuh, Fish, Fox Tail, Rainbow, Dead Drummer, Muse-Leaving Germany And By Other Agencies from Germany’s Chto Delat collective.
Harbour will also showcase the international premieres of dark Basque fairy tale Gaua from Paul Urkijo Alijo; Thunska Pansittivorakul’s Isan Odyssey; the neo-noir Mergen from Chingiz Narynov.
The European premiere of Clara Law’s Ripples in the Mist will also play in Harbour.
The Bright Future section for feature-length debuts includes world premieres of IAI from Sakai Zenzo and Why Do I See You In Everything? from Rand Abou Fakher, as well as the international premiere of Gamer Girls from Veronica Bassetto and Sophie Yang.
Under the Limelight strand, which features highlights of this year’s festival circuit, European premieres will be held for the road movie Tokyo Taxi from Japanese veteran filmmaker Yamada Yoji, marking his 91st film, and the historical epic Quezon from Jerrold Tarog.
Meanwhile, the shorts Focus programmes will centre on the ensemble of Belgian and Congolese artists Collectif Faire-Part and the Japanese multidisciplinary artist Tetsuya Maruyama.
The complete programme for IFFR’s 55th edition will be launched on December 16
“At IFFR, we want every audience member to feel welcome and inspired to explore fresh perspectives,” said festival director Vanja Kaludjercic.
”This new selection of premieres and shorts reflects the creative energy and curiosity that define our festival.”
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