International Film Festival The Hague

An amazing journey through world cinema

Since 2019, the International Film Festival The Hague has been providing a platform for emerging filmmakers and stories that do not always receive the attention they deserve. From impressive documentaries and gripping dramas to surprising short films: the festival showcases the versatility of the international film world.

Exceptional films and meetings with filmmakers

The IFFH 2026 film programme comprises a varied selection of international films. Visitors can enjoy exceptional world premieres, European premieres and Dutch premieres. The films cover a wide range of subjects, from personal stories and social issues to culture and human relationships.

Workshops

In addition to film screenings, the festival offers workshops/masterclasses on fascinating topics such as writing a successful script, acting, cinematography and practical strategies for producers to obtain financial support. These sessions and networking opportunities have led to several successful film projects. These collaborations between individual filmmakers have contributed to the festival's glory and have proven it to be a catalyst for creativity and success in the industry.

• Masterclass: The Art of Making it Happen (10:00-11:00 Zaal 4)
  Led by Kelly Bergsma
  Drawing from the principles of improvisation ("Say Yes. Yes, And… What’s Next?"), filmmaker Kelly Bergsma shares practical insights on resilience, resourcefulness, and creative problem-solving when independent film productions encounter unexpected setbacks.
   
• Masterclass: Cinematic Storytelling: From Sign to Symbol (10:00-11:00 Zaal 5)
  Led by Prof. Alex Mendez Giner
  Exploring how framing, lighting, sound, and editing function as signs that evolve into symbols in the viewer’s mind, demonstrating how symbolic thinking deepens audience connection.
   
• Masterclass: From Page to Stage to Screen (10:00-11:00 Zaal 4)
  Led by Prof. Aimee Greenberg
  Documenting the journey of adapting a stage play to film, breaking down screenwriting adaptations, visual language, surrealism, sound design, and post-production.
   
• Masterclass: Storytelling Principles & Structure: The Hero’s Journey and Beyond (10:00-11:00 Zaal 5)
  Led by Prof. Nikola Vukčević, PhD
  Tracing narrative frameworks from Aristotle’s Poetics and Freytag’s dramatic pyramid to Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, examining how core structure forms compelling cinema, theatre, and literature.