IFFR 2025 Focus programmes revealed

IFFR reveals the first details of four Focus programmes for IFFR 2025, celebrating the contributions of underappreciated filmmakers and revisiting historical and cultural legacies with current resonance.

These unique programmes champion visionary and auteur filmmaking, Afro-Asian cinema of resistance, and the interplay between public and private film cultures: from highlighting Katja Raganelli’s representations of women’s voices and Sergii Masloboishchykov’s chronicles of Ukraine’s national identity, to marking the the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference and reigniting the communal spirit of VHS practices around the world. 

Vanja Kaludjercic, Festival Director at IFFR, said: “With these four programmes, IFFR 2025 offers a distinctive platform where cinematic artistry meets socio-political discourse and cultural reflection. Each of these programmes is either the first of their kind or looks at the world through a new prism or point of view: on Katja Raganelli, whose work captures the evolution of women in filmmaking throughout the 20th century; and another on Sergii Masloboishchykov, the Ukrainian filmmaker documents the recent history of his country. We’ll explore the global significance of the 1955 Afro-Asian Conference in Bandung with a thematic exploration of cinemas of the Global South; and celebrate the community spirit, DIY creativity and unique viewing practices of VHS culture. From celebrating the contributions of underappreciated filmmakers to revisiting historical and cultural legacies with current resonance, the festival continues to create a space to collectively enjoy the power of cinema. ”

Focus: Katja Raganelli 

IFFR 2025 shines a light on Katja Raganelli, a Croatian-born German documentary filmmaker whose extensive body of work on public television gave unparalleled attention to the history of women in filmmaking. Her works, often aired only once, have faded from public view, making this retrospective a vital step in preserving and celebrating her legacy. Films screening include: Margery Wilson – Vom Stummfilmstar Hollywoods zur Filmregisseurin (Katja Raganelli, 1996), Valie Export – Portrait einer Filmregisseurin (Katja Raganelli, 1981), and Die Liebe ist ein Mythos – Delpine Seyrig (Katja Raganelli, 1978). 

The Focus programme will present her portraits of iconic figures ranging from modern masters like Agnès Varda, Márta Mészáros and Valie Export to early pioneers such as Alice Guy-Blaché and Lotte Reiniger, alongside complementary titles from those filmmakers themselves. The programme not only highlights Raganelli’s commitment to uncovering women’s cinematic contributions but also aligns with IFFR’s history of exploring underrepresented voices in cinema. 

Focus: Sergii Masloboishchykov 

Ukrainian director Sergii Masloboishchykov takes centre stage with the international premiere of his latest work, Yasa (2023), in another retrospective. This marks his return to IFFR three decades after the screening of his debut fiction feature, Josephine, the Singer and the Mice People (1994), which will be screened as part of the programme alongside titles including Own Voice (2016). 

Masloboishchykov’s films, spanning fiction and documentary formats, provide a deeply personal yet nationally resonant perspective on Ukraine’s evolution. From capturing the Maidan protests to chronicling the ongoing Russian invasion, his work fuses personal concerns with questions regarding the fate of his nation. This retrospective offers audiences a profound understanding of Ukraine’s cultural and political landscape through the lens of one of its most distinguished filmmakers.

Focus: Bandung Conference 

2025 marks the 70th anniversary of the historic Afro-Asian Conference held in Bandung, Indonesia, where 29 nations gathered to discuss economic and political unity, igniting the concept of what is now known as the Global South. The event also inspired the Afro-Asian Film Festival, held three times: in Tashkent (1958), Cairo (1960) and Jakarta (1964). These festivals laid the groundwork for a film culture of resistance and reform, which IFFR later became part of through its Hubert Bals Fund.

Featuring a selection of films from these three festivals and films inspired by them and the ‘Bandung spirit’, along with panels and discussions, IFFR will explore their legacy, the dreams they inspired and their relevance today. This thematic exploration reinforces IFFR’s commitment to unearthing the stories of the colonised and dispossessed while celebrating Indonesia’s cultural contributions, a nation closely tied to Rotterdam’s diverse heritage.

Focus: Hold Video in Your Hands

The world premiere of Alex Ross Perry’s documentary Videoheaven, which chronicles the history of video stores in Hollywood cinema, anchors a programme celebrating the community spirit of VHS culture. This programme examines the interplay of private and public film cultures. Rotterdam filmmaker Gyz La Rivière returns to the festival with the world premiere of his ode to the video store Videotheek Marco, an investigation into local video store history and connected audiovisual activities like community television.

As conversations evolve around streaming platforms and their impact on cinematic viewing practices, IFFR presents a timely exploration of VHS culture deeply rooted in community, creativity and unique viewing practices. This programme includes film screenings of diverse treats like the Indian documentary Videokaaran (2011) or David Cronenberg’s latest, The Shrouds (2024), as well as interactive projects inviting Rotterdam citizens to share their personal home video stories, creating a communal cinematic experience.