Groninger Filmdagen 2026
The second edition of the Groninger Filmdagen will take place from 27 to 29 November 2026 at Camera on the Hereplein in Groningen.
How it started
In 2023, a few members of the Filmvereniging Groningen came up with the idea of organising the Dag van de Groninger Film (Groningen Film Day): a day to watch each other's films and exchange ideas on the future of film in Groningen. The idea caught on. An initiative group developed the format and a brand-new organising team got to work.
In 2025 the moment had come. The Groningen Film Day grew into a three-day event, simply because there were so many beautiful and challenging films waiting to be shown that a single day would not do them justice.
From 4 to 6 October 2025, the Groninger Filmdagen became a reality in the iconic Camera building. For three days, audiences, filmmakers, students, government representatives and film professionals came together to immerse themselves in Groningen cinema.
How we enjoyed it! Camera was packed to the rafters with life, conviviality and discussion.
The success of the first festival inspired us to organise a second edition. To be honest, it was also expected of us: time and again we were asked when the second edition would come.
Groninger Filmdagen 2026
Rooted Cinema
For the second edition, we developed a sharper profile: Rooted Cinema. By this we mean locally rooted filmmakers whose authentic and innovative films express the identity of the province of Groningen, our shared culture and the diversity of communities that shape it.
Our ambitions
- Strengthening the Northern Dutch film ecosystem: The GFD makes films by rooted filmmakers visible and connects these filmmakers with each other and with national and European professionals.
- The artist is present – integrating festival and film forum: The GFD holds to one unshakeable principle: a film is only screened if at least one of its key makers is present. They are active participants in the programme: in conversation with the audience, at the table in a debate, as host of a masterclass, as a discussion partner in a critique session or as a participant in a lab.
- Film as a shared experience: The GFD combines screenings with conversations, context and encounters. The audience is not a passive spectator but an active participant in the conversation about film and the themes it brings to light.
- Professional development and talent development: Rooted in the idea of lifelong learning, the GFD offers starting, emerging and established filmmakers a platform and connects them with each other and with relevant experts.
- National and international orientation: Rooted Cinema as an emerging phenomenon is the starting point for the GFD's national and international ambitions. Films rooted in a specific place, language and community are increasingly finding their way to European festivals and audiences. In the long term, the GFD aims to be a festival where Rooted Cinema from all over Europe is screened.
- Knowledge development and sector research: The GFD is not only a festival but also a knowledge partner for the northern film sector. In a region where the sector is still developing, reliable knowledge is a prerequisite for responsible policy, targeted investment and professional growth. Filmmakers need insight to make well-considered career choices, the sector needs data to support its advocacy, and government needs facts to take film seriously as a pillar of culture.