PROGRAMME
10:00
Discussion between deans, programme directors, teachers and alumni of film-related educational programmes to share educational developments with each other. The goal is to strengthen the film education in the north.
Discussion | Zaal 2 | Dutch | By Invitation
12:00
The Image Tells the Story
Cameraman Thom de Bie reveals how the visual style of Kon Minder was created — from lighting design to camera movement. DOP Judith Boeschoten explores color, lenses, and the collaboration between director and camera. Joining as an emerging maker: Justin Wismeijer, DP and creator at production house The Grainhouse, where he focuses on visual content and image production.
This case study is part of the in-depth film program FilmForum Noord, aimed at sparking dialogue between filmmakers, making creative processes transparent, and strengthening connections between North and West.
Moderator: Maarten Aleman — filmmaker and creative producer from Groningen, founder of Aleman Visuals and graduate of NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences.
Case study | Room 3 | Dutch
10:00
Discover the environmental impact of animation — from blockbusters to documentaries — and explore how AI and sustainable practices, including Ecoprod’s Green Animation Guide, can shape greener productions.
Workshop | Zaal 3 | English
13.00
Workshop | Zaal 3 | Dutch | By Dick Visser
13.00
The workshop Documentary Storytelling is about finding the story of your film, developing scenes, and casting the right main characters for a documentary. Using clips from my own work and that of other (international) filmmakers, I provide examples of powerful scenes and compelling characters. I also discuss how to uncover the central theme of your film—what it is really about. Finally, I address the importance of making (radical) choices early on, guided by the principle: the art of leaving things out.
Workshop | Zaal 4 | English
13:00
Film Acting
By Dr. Dan Leberg and Roel Twijstra.
This workshop explores modern film acting techniques and the actor’s creative process. From empathy and camera work to live scene studies, learn how directors and actors can create more compelling on-set performances. We invite actors, DOP's, directors, script writers, editors, to come enjoy this unique workshop.
Scenes from the opening film, Koud Water, will provide the textual playing ground.
Workshop | Zaal 1 | English
20.00
Raoul thrives on the chaos of hooligan life, while Anouar searches for a way out of violence and emptiness. Their friendship is put to the test when Anouar pulls away and Raoul refuses to let go. An explosive confrontation challenges their loyalty and forces them to make brutal choices.
This debut feature has been nominated for Best Debut Film at the Dutch Film Festival (Prize of the City of Utrecht).
Openings Film | Zaal 1 | Dutch | English subtitles |By invitation only
11:00
Groninger Reality
Experience VR/AR/XR! With the Groninger Film Days, we also focus on the future: “Groninger Reality” — the future of film, innovation. Film as a medium is in full development and encompasses an audiovisual sector in which, through the combination of text, image, sound, movement, and other media, more and more senses are being stimulated.
Animation and live-action images, in addition to being shown on cinema screens, are increasingly projected (or mapped) onto all kinds of walls and 3D objects.
There are also more and more devices (VR/AR headsets, VR/AR smartphone/iPad apps, etc.) that fall under the umbrella of Extended Reality (XR), which more directly involve space in the experience and offer visitors a certain degree of interaction.
Experience VR | Zaal 2 | No tickets required
12:00
A documentary by Arno Cupedo and Teade Jagersma
The story of Rudy Lentze, a fascinating Groningen based musician. Born in Indonesia, he grew up in a dysfunctional family between clashing cultures and nearly succumbed to it. His love for music saved him.
Film | Zaal 1 | Dutch
12:00
Preliminary results of Kjelda’s PhD research project on the creative ways in which northern filmmakers create stories related to their regional identity, their heritage and their history.
Workshop | Zaal 4 | Dutch
12:00
Roman Hageman and Jetze Koper present their most recent movies:
- Koortsdroom (2023)
- Soliloquy (2024)
- Waaidag (2025)
The talented twosome, Roman and Jetze, are starting their own production company. Their first films are so impressive that they make you want to see more.
Film | Zaal 3 | Dutch | English subtitles
14:00
Featuring the following films
- Schoem by Vida Kashani en Amir Komelizadeh (2025)
-Als de Wind Stopt by Danny Zwols (2025)
-De Boot van Klaveren by Sanne Schoemaker (2024)
Film | Zaal 3 | Dutch | English subtitles
14:00
Featuring two wonderfully beautiful documentaries: a treat for the eye and ears
- Huilende Bruiden, a film by Tom Tieman
- Symfonie van de Veekoloniën a. film by Saskia Jeulink
Tom Tieman and Saskia Jeulink are both renowned documentary filmmakers who are deeply rooted in the Groninger countryside.
Film | Zaal 4 | Dutch | English subtitles
16:00
A wannabe screenwriter and a drug dealing Disney princess for hire fall in love and join forces to escape from their unfulfilling lives and pursue their dream: make it to Hollywood.
Anthony Esteban, the French Groninger with the snazzy cars, invites you all to come watch and comment on the first version of a fairytale Crime story. The final version of this short movie will be premiere later this year. But for now, enjoy the ride of what promises to be a Groninger film a different color.
Test viewing | Zaal 4 | English
16:00
Featuring:
-Joram Krol: Quid Pro Quo, a film by Igor de Boer
- Grote Namen in een Kleine Stad a film by Igor de Boer en Joey Benistant
No wonder Joey and Igor bundled their talent together after making movies by themselves. Both talented filmmakers intrigued by the underbelly of society, and discovering the special beauty that lies beneath.
Rumor has it that Joram will attend.
Documentaries | Zaal 1 | Dutch | English subtitles
16:00
Policy debate: The future of film in Groningen
A carrousel debate about the future (policy) of filmmaking in Groningen.
Moderated by Dutch Debate Institute
Debate | Foyer | Dutch
17:00
FilmForum: Scenaristen
Case study | Zaal 3 | Dutch
17:00
Filmmakers present: Filmcollectief
Producers Carla Wolbers and Roeland Dijksterhuis discuss some of their “production blunders” — the hard lessons of being a producer.
Selection of Filmcollectief films | Hall 4 | Dutch
18:00
Vertoond worden:
-Oog om oog, a film by Milton Broen
-Ans, The Netherlands’ First Space Adventure, a film by Jasper Huizinga and Lotte Veltman
Oog om oog – A surreal neo-noir by Milton Broen: a Dutch homage to classic Hollywood noir, with his own 'Miltian' sense of humor.
ANS – The moving and witty story of ANS, the first and only fully Dutch satellite, built 50 years ago by stubborn Dutch space pioneers.
Films | Zaal 3 | Dutch | English subtitles
18:00
Film Studs:
AVS Kunst & Multimedia Noorderpoort
Students and alumni of AVS Art & Multimedia Noorderpoort present a varied and exciting collection of artistic films, giving us a glimpse of the future of Groningen cinema.
De wereld van Harry Arling , a film by Bas van der Linde
Storm voor de stilte, a film by Melissa Halming
Vallen en Opstaan, a film by Marcus Kooistra
Marathon, a videoclip by Jasper van den Born
Levenslijn & WTF is live, a film by Ivar Berends met live performance
A Meditation on AI Slob, a film by Rosa Lackroy
hey Buurvrouw, a film by Lars Menting
Student Films | Zaal 4 | Dutch
19:00
Because of her criticism of the oppressive Soviet regime, 20-year-old Tatiana finds herself in an icy prison. In this world of fear, violence, and mistrust, she struggles to survive.
Film | Zaal 1 | Ukrainian and Russian | subtitles: English
20:00
Film Studs: Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
Shorts made by the students of the University of Groningen
Student Films | Zaal 4 | English Dutch
20:00
The Filmmakers present:
Groninger Underground
Groninger Underground will feature:
- In Love Again, a film by Morgan Grunefeld (2024)
- Koud Water, a film by Alexander Roux and Ayan Egal (2025)
- Robert van de Toekomst, a film by Igor de Boer (2025)
In this session, a selection of finger-licking good films from talented filmmakers.
Our opening film, nominated for Best Debut Film – by then we’ll know if it has won!
The Groningen premiere of Robert van de Toekomst, the new film by Igor de Boer, one of the up-and-coming talents.
In Love Again, the film by Morgan Grunefeld reminding us all what we should be striving for.
Films | Zaal 3 | Dutch
20:30
De Poel
Old-fashioned horror at De Poel
A father takes his wife, two sons, and a friend with his daughter on a hiking trip through the forest. After a long search for a campsite, he finds the perfect spot overlooking a pool… a perfect spot that is, until…
Followed by a Q&A with Wart Wamsteker, sound designer, who won a Golden Calf for this film.
Film | Zaal 1 | Dutch | subtitles: English
10:00
A documentary by Arno Cupedo and Teade Jagersma
The story of Rudy Lentze, a fascinating Groningen based musician. Born in Indonesia, he grew up in a dysfunctional family between clashing cultures and nearly succumbed to it. His love for music saved him.
Film | Zaal 1 | Dutch
10:00
During this session, the films from the programs The Roman & Jetze Hour and A Bigger Boat will be screened again.
The following films will be shown:
Koortsdroom
Soliloquy
Waaidag
Schoem
Als de Wind Stopt
De Boot van Klaveren
Film | Zaal 4 | Dutch | English subtitles
10:00
During this session, the films from the programs Straight Outta Groningen and Groningen Underground will be screened once more.
The following films will be shown:
In Love Again
Koud Water
Robert van de Toekomst
Joram Krol: Quid Pro Quo
Grote Namen in een Kleine Stad
Documentaries | Zaal 3 | Dutch | English subtitles
12:00
Film Studs: Kunstacademie Minerva
Shorts made by the students of the Art Academy, Minerva.
Art Academy presents, among others:
- Waddenzeevolk, a film by Koos Buist
- A Compilation of Sketches, a film by Sander Juno
- Where the Walls Breathe, a film by Khashayar Najafizadeh
Ordinary, everyday, predictable.
And then the opposite of all that.
That’s how I would describe the films by the Art Academy students.
Expect the unexpected.
Is it a poem? A declaration of love or war? A visual experiment?
Whatever it may be, it is beautiful and captivating.
Student films | Zaal 3 | English | Dutch
12:00
Film Studs: Filmschool & Ithaka Academie
Shorts made by the students of the Filmschool.
Student films | Zaal 4 | Dutch
12:00
FilmForum - Sound Design
Sound Shapes Emotion
In this session, sound designer Wart Wamsteker demonstrates how the sound design of De Poel pulls the audience deep into the swamp. René Duursma reflects on the creative and technical choices, and how sound design enriches the story. Joining as an emerging maker is Aris Schoute — sound designer, producer, and mix engineer from Groningen, who has worked on films such as Koud Water and Als de Wind Stopt.
This case study is part of the in-depth film program FilmForum Noord, designed to spark dialogue between filmmakers, open up creative processes, and strengthen connections between North and West.
Moderator: Maarten Aleman — filmmaker and creative producer from Groningen, founder of Aleman Visuals and graduate of NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences.
Case study | Zaal 1 | Dutch
12:00
48 Hours Film Project Noord
Casting Call Block 1
48HFP Noord: Casting Call & Award-Winning Shorts on Sunday 5 October, the 48 Hour Film Project Noord brings the Casting Call to the Groninger Film Dagen — a lively networking event for everyone passionate about filmmaking.
Creatives present themselves, pitch ideas, and spark new collaborations with directors, actors, musicians, and visual designers. After quick pitches and speed-networking, dive straight into inspiration with prize-winning shorts from past editions of 48HFP Groningen.
Block 1 – Winners 2022
Hap — Koning Pudding
Pretty Doable — Familia Asesina
Yes We Cannes: Tandem — Koning Pudding.
Zaal 2
13:00
FilmForum – Directing
Dive into the Directing Process of ILA
Director Morgan Gruneveld shares insights on artistic choices, working with actors, and translating vision into image. Director and commercials-maker Willem Gerritsen joins for a critical conversation on découpage, rhythm, and finding the right tone. Adding a fresh perspective: Alex Rona, actor and filmmaker, second-year Creative Business student and Filmschool alumnus.
This case study is part of the in-depth film program FilmForum Noord, aimed at sparking dialogue between filmmakers, opening up creative processes, and strengthening the connections between North and West.
Moderator: Maarten Aleman — filmmaker and creative producer from Groningen, founder of Aleman Visuals and graduate of NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences.
Case study | Zaal 1 | Dutch
14:00
FilmStuds: Medialism
Medialism is a minor within the Communication program at Hanze University. Over the course of half a year, students from all over the world work on a short documentary or fiction film.
The following films will be screened:
Over de Grens (doc) — Dutch spoken, English subtitled
De druk van perfectie (doc) — Dutch spoken, English subtitled
Waar stilte spreekt (doc) — Dutch spoken, English subtitled
Ring the Bell (doc) — Winner of Best Groninger Youth Film 2019, Dutch spoken
Fear of the Unknown (doc) — Dutch & English spoken, English subtitled
Edo (doc) — Dutch spoken, English subtitled
CUT (fiction) — English spoken
Experimental film by film and music collective The Maya Brothers
Waning Moon (fiction) — Spanish, Catalan & English spoken, English subtitled
Zaal 2
13:30
48 Hours Film Project Noord
Casting Call Block 2
48HFP Noord: Casting Call & Award-Winning Shorts on Sunday 5 October, the 48 Hour Film Project Noord brings the Casting Call to the Groninger Film Dagen — a lively networking event for everyone passionate about filmmaking.
Creatives present themselves, pitch ideas, and spark new collaborations with directors, actors, musicians, and visual designers. After quick pitches and speed-networking, dive straight into inspiration with prize-winning shorts from past editions of 48HFP Groningen.
Block 2 – Winners 2023
Stikken in stilte — NakedHearts Film
De Vader, de Dochter en de Pastoor — De Bronstige Beren
In bytsje Nuver — Last Minute
Yes We Cannes: Aethar — NakedHearts Film
Zaal 2
14:00
For 13 years Joey filmed his friend Matthijs as he struggles with self-destructive impulses. “Life Is Not Short Enough” tells the story of their friendship.
The movie received the award for Best Debut Film at the Dutch Film Festival in 2023.
Documentary | Zaal 1 | Dutch | subtitles: English
14:00
The Filmmakers Present - Beeldijn
Featuring the following movies
- Letters die Dansen, a film by Rianne Aalbers
- Verhalen uit t Roegwold, a film by Ronald Pras en Erik Blom
Screening | Zaal 4 | Dutch | subtitles: English
17:00
Resultaten Filmmonitor
16:00
The Filmmaker Presents - Leitmotiv
Featuring Leitmotiv, a film by Julian Verkerk (2025)
Julian Verkerk is a design artist, and his film Leitmotiv is a perfect example of that.
Failing novelist Herman Henkelman tries to win back his audience by writing socially engaged work, but struggles with the question of what he really has to say.
Tongue-in-cheek all the way through.
Or is it?
A Groningen premiere — the film was screened at the Netherlands Film Festival in 2025.
Screening | Zaal 1 | Dutch | subtitles: English
16:00
The Filmmakers Present - Colorful Frames
Featuring the following films:
-Kon Minder, a film by Fleur Nonnekes
-Blau, a film by Antonia Rehnen
-Huis van mijn Herinneringen, a film by Robin Marks
Screening | Zaal 3 | Dutch | subtitles: English
15:00
48 Hours Film Project Noord
Casting Call Block 3
48HFP Noord: Casting Call & Award-Winning Shorts on Sunday 5 October, the 48 Hour Film Project Noord brings the Casting Call to the Groninger Film Dagen — a lively networking event for everyone passionate about filmmaking.
Creatives present themselves, pitch ideas, and spark new collaborations with directors, actors, musicians, and visual designers. After quick pitches and speed-networking, dive straight into inspiration with prize-winning shorts from past editions of 48HFP Groningen.
Block 3 – Winners 2024
Unspoken — FAMILIA ASESINA
Radiostilte — Potatismos Productions
Opgebrand — De Blockbuster Brigade
