IFFR 2025 unveils Opening film “Fabula” and Closing film “This City Is a Battlefield”
The International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) has announced the Opening and Closing Night films for its 54th edition, set to take place from January 30 to February 9, 2025. Michiel ten Horn’s "Fabula" will open the festival, while Mouly Surya’s "This City Is a Battlefield" will close it. Both films represent distinctive cinematic visions and highlight IFFR's commitment to fostering creative storytelling across diverse genres and cultures.
"Fabula," directed by Dutch filmmaker Michiel ten Horn, is a dark comedy co-produced by the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. The film follows Jos, a small-time criminal whose life unravels after a failed drug deal. Featuring an ensemble cast including Fedja van Huêt, Anniek Pheifer, and David Kross, the story combines elements of crime, fantasy, and folklore. Ten Horn, known for his debut "The Deflowering of Eva van End," returns to IFFR with a world premiere, continuing his trajectory as one of Europe’s filmmakers to watch.
Closing the festival, Mouly Surya’s historical epic "This City Is a Battlefield" delves into Indonesia’s fight for independence in 1946. Adapted from Mochtar Lubis' novel A Road with No End, the film presents a gripping narrative of resilience and freedom through stunning action sequences and deeply personal drama. Surya’s career includes acclaimed titles such as Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts and the Netflix feature Trigger Warning. Her latest work is a co-production involving Indonesia, the Netherlands, and five other countries, heavily supported by IFFR’s Hubert Bals Fund.
IFFR’s Festival Director Vanja Kaludjercic praised the selections, stating: “These films celebrate two unique cinematic voices. Michiel ten Horn’s 'Fabula' captivates with its mix of humor and folklore, while Mouly Surya’s 'This City Is a Battlefield' is a masterclass in historical storytelling.”
Competition Juries:
This year’s Tiger Competition jury comprises prominent figures from global cinema:
- Yuki Aditya: Indonesian filmmaker and artistic director of the ARKIPEL festival.
- Soheila Golestani: Iranian filmmaker and actress.
- Winnie Lau: Creative producer associated with projects like In the Mood for Love.
- Peter Strickland: Acclaimed British filmmaker behind Berberian Sound Studio.
- Andrea Luka Zimmerman: Jarman Award-winning British filmmaker.
For the Tiger Short Competition, the jury includes:
- Angela Haardt: Curator and former director of the Oberhausen festival.
- Frank Sweeney: Artist and filmmaker who won a Tiger Short Award in 2024.
- Yaoting Zhang: Film acquisitions and production manager at Rediance.
The Big Screen Competition jury features Dutch and international talents:
- Bero Beyer: Former IFFR Festival Director.
- Digna Sinke: Esteemed Dutch filmmaker and producer.
- Sara Rajaei: Iranian-Dutch video artist.
- Dewi Reijs: Dutch-Indonesian filmmaker and actress.
- Jia Zhao: Chinese-Dutch producer known for award-winning documentaries.