The International Film Festival Assen (IFA) is back for its 44th edition, bringing female film filmmakers to the spotlight.
The IFA is one of the oldest film festivals in Europe that prioritises stories that revolve around women’s perspectives and bring to light discussions of gender roles and stereotypes. In addition to the screenings of films almost entirely made by female filmmakers, the festival’s programme also offers Q&A’s with the filmmakers, lectures, and a workshop on script and character development.
The IFA also supports rising filmmakers through two short film competitions, one for emerging filmmakers in the North of the country and the other for female-identifying directors in the Netherlands. The nominees’ films will also be shown during the festival.
The festival takes place at the DNK in Assen this week from March 7-10. All details regarding the language of the films and subtitles can be found in the programme. Tickets can be bought online, or on-site on the days of the festival.
The 2024 film program includes many films in English or with English subtitles. Some of the films in English include All of Us Strangers, Polite Society, and Poor Things. This year’s guest of honour is director Céline Sciamma who will talk about her work, her inspirations and the role of female and queer filmmakers in the contemporary film industry. This discussion will be held in English.
“Drenthe is sometimes looked at as a region that is not too rich in cultural happenings – and yet it has an important festival,” IFA artistic director Henriëtte Poelman had told The Northern Times last year.
