Dirty God to open IFFR 2019
13 December 2018
Our Opening Night film by Dutch filmmaker Sacha Polak.
The big, eagerly anticipated moment is almost upon us: the official launch of IFFR 2019! We’ll open the festival, on Wednesday 23 January, in the extra festive Grote Zaal of Theater Rotterdam Schouwburg. Our opening film: Dirty God by Dutch filmmaker Sacha Polak.
Opening film
Dirty God will celebrate its world premiere at IFFR 2019’s Opening Night. It’s the third feature and the English-language debut by Sacha Polak. Her previous titles: Zurich (2015) and Hemel (2011). Dirty God is a powerful portrait of Jade, young Londoner, mother and a victim of a hydrochloric acid attack. Scarred for life by her ex-boyfriend, and distanced from her daughter after the attack, we see Jade through her struggles of reaching self-acceptance. Newcomer Vicky Knight, who also suffered a serious burns incident in her youth, plays a remarkably brave leading role in this film. What’s more, two tracks by Rotterdam artist Sevdaliza feature on the soundtrack.
Dirty God grabs you by the throat.
— Bero Beyer
Festival director Bero Beyer: “We’re very proud to announce that this intensely powerful and emotional film by a daring Dutch filmmaker will give a flying start to our 48th edition. Dirty God grabs you by the throat, while at the same time sketching a complex, multi-layered image of a strong woman dealing with her difficult situation. This grandiose work of cinema goes beyond the superficial to pose questions of guilt and beauty, hate and fear, strength and femininity.”
The best start to the festival
Our Opening Night is the perfect way to start the twelve days and nights of festival that follow. IFFR’s international guests, cast and crew will be with us, as well as the Dutch minister of education, culture and science Ingrid van Engelshoven, who will give an opening speech. This evening is open to all, so come along and enjoy our screening of Dirty God. Afterwards, we’ll make our way to de Doelen for a dance party into the night.
