Marten Rabarts, Former Director of NZ Film Festival, to Lead IFFR Pro
The International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) has appointed Marten Rabarts as the new Head of IFFR Pro, a pivotal industry arm of the festival. Rabarts, a respected figure in the international film community, will step into the role immediately, bringing decades of global experience to the position as IFFR prepares for its 54th edition, scheduled to take place from 30 January to 9 February 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Rabarts most recently served as Festival Director at the New Zealand International Film Festival. His extensive career also includes serving as Head of EYE International (now SeeNL), where he promoted Dutch cinema worldwide, and as Artistic Director of the Binger Filmlab in Amsterdam, a renowned centre for film development.
At IFFR, Rabarts will work closely with Festival Director Vanja Kaludjercic and report to Chief of Content Melissa van der Schoor. His responsibilities include shaping IFFR’s industry strategy, forging new partnerships, and overseeing key programmes such as the Rotterdam Lab, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025. The Rotterdam Lab is a training workshop designed to help early-career producers build their networks and expand their industry knowledge.
Additionally, Rabarts will lead IFFR Pro’s Darkroom, a work-in-progress screening series featured during CineMart, which showcases projects supported by the Hubert Bals Fund or those previously presented at CineMart. The programme aims to provide filmmakers with crucial support throughout the lifecycle of their projects. This initiative aligns with IFFR’s broader mission of nurturing emerging talent and offering them tools and connections to advance their careers.
Rabarts expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, saying, “After more than 20 years of close collaboration with IFFR, I’m honoured and excited to come on board as Head of IFFR Pro. I look forward to building on the incredible legacy of award-winning films and powerful careers that have been nurtured in Rotterdam.”
His background in promoting Dutch film and supporting international co-productions positions him uniquely to drive IFFR’s industry platform forward. “Moving nimbly in response to the needs of filmmakers has been a defining hallmark of IFFR Pro,” he added, referencing IFFR’s long-standing tradition of innovation and adaptability.
Rabarts’ appointment comes as the festival expands its industry offerings. IFFR Pro Days, running from 31 January to 5 February 2025, will include an industry day focused on the Dutch film ecosystem, highlighting IFFR’s commitment to supporting local talent while fostering global industry connections.
In addition to his new role at IFFR, Rabarts has a background deeply rooted in Indigenous cinema, drawing on his New Zealand Māori heritage. His work has also taken him to India, where he headed development and training at the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) in Mumbai, establishing NFDC Labs, a platform for filmmakers across the region.
Kaludjercic expressed confidence in Rabarts’ leadership, stating, “Marten’s incredible track record in both industry development and elevating Dutch cinema makes him the perfect candidate to spearhead our future initiatives. His strategic and curatorial vision will drive IFFR Pro’s growth and ensure its continued relevance in the global film industry.”
Alongside this major appointment, IFFR has also welcomed David Lauwen as a new member of the Supervisory Board. Lauwen, with significant experience in the cultural and creative sectors, including roles at Codarts, Omroep ZWART, and Eye Filmmuseum, will help guide the festival’s strategic direction.
As IFFR moves toward its 2025 edition, both Rabarts’ and Lauwen’s appointments reflect the festival’s focus on innovation, talent development, and maintaining its influence as a major player on the international film stage.