3–7 November 2027 – will we see you there?

The 46th edition of the Northern Film Festival drew to a close on Sunday evening with the screening of the closing film, INK. For five days, Leeuwarden was all about films, documentaries, stories and connection.

More than 25,000 tickets were sold at this year’s festival, marking yet another increase on last year’s figures. “That’s wonderful, of course, but attracting more visitors isn’t an end in itself for us,” clarified Hester Terpstra, director of the organising foundation Film in Friesland, in her closing remarks.

Stories and perspectives
“Above all, we want the festival to make a difference. We want people to discover new stories, learn about different perspectives and meet one another. And perhaps for something to linger even after the hustle and bustle of the festival has passed. Because ultimately, it’s not just about how many people walk through the doors, but above all about what they take with them when they leave.”

“We’ve been on quite a journey together,” she reflected on the five days of the festival. “From Sámi culture in the far north to Scottish humour, from Frisian stories to films from all corners of the world, and we’ve even taken a trip to the stars. And all that without leaving Leeuwarden.”

“This year’s edition confirms the direction the Northern Film Festival has taken. With programme strands such as ‘Memmetaal’, the festival connects stories from Fryslân and the North with the world, whilst also providing a platform for international perspectives within the region itself. In doing so, the festival reinforces its distinctive profile, where regional identity and international solidarity come together.”

Acknowledgements
Terpstra expressed her appreciation to the many volunteers. “You keep everything running smoothly, often without anyone even noticing. Thank you so very much for that.”

She also thanked the sponsors, funding bodies, all the host venues – in particular Stadsschouwburg De Harmonie – and the festival team. “And last but not least: thank you to you, our audience. For your curiosity, your enthusiasm and your willingness to let yourselves be surprised by an unfamiliar film.”

Artistic director Henriëtte Poelman briefly introduced the closing film: INK (Danny Boyle), about newspaper magnate Rupert Murdoch and the rise of the British tabloids. In keeping with the festival’s theme, the film opened with the question: What makes a good story? “Small stories make our world bigger,” Poelman concluded, quoting Spotlight guest Sjón, and expressed the hope that the stories from the Northern Film Festival had also broadened the horizons of the festival-goers.

Proud councillor
Councillor Marcel Visser of Leeuwarden City Council also looks back on a successful edition: “As councillor for culture, I am proud that we have an event of this calibre in our city,” he says. “At all those venues, with the festival team and all those volunteers pulling together. I am really impressed by that. The festival really brings the city to life.”

Winners of the Noorderkroon Awards
On the final day of the Northern Film Festival, the seven Noorderkroon Awards were presented, as is tradition. This year’s jury consisted of talent coordinator Yassin Karmoudi, writer, director and script coach Hakima Elouarti, and documentary-maker Nelleke Koop.

Nuclear Boy by director Joren Molter won the award for best feature film. LEAP by Cristobal de Alba was named best short documentary by the jury. In the short fiction category, the prize went to De Floor is Lava by Demian van der Wekken.

Ted Alkemade won the award for best feature-length documentary with De Vrouwenmars, whilst Laurens Kloosterman took home the prize for best student film with De Ware Bjorn Spreekt. The award for best new filmmaker went to *Werkplaats van je dromen* by directors Jille Smilda and Maurice Klok. Finally, Andrei Ciobanu, director of Erased, was named the most promising emerging talent.

Audience Award
The film that received the highest rating from the audience will be announced on Monday 9 November at www.noordelijkfilmfestival.nl.

A number of the films screened during the 46th edition of the Noordelijk Film Festival can be seen again at Slieker. Wild Horse Nine will be showing from 9 November, Queen at Sea from 12 November and Fjord from 3 December. The audience favourite will also be screened again at Slieker after the festival. For more information, visit sliekerfilm.nl.

The 47th edition of the Northern Film Festival will take place from 3 to 7 November 2027.