The 46th edition of the Noordelijk Film Festival!
The 46th edition of the Noordelijk Film Festival will take place from 4 to 8 November 2026. We look forward to welcoming you back!
About the festival
The Noordelijk Film Festival is a five-day film festival in Leeuwarden that takes place every year in November. In the autumn, 260 people work on the Noordelijk Film Festival, 220 of whom are volunteers. The festival sells around 23,000 tickets annually. Stadsschouwburg De Harmonie is the heart of the festival, with Slieker Film, Pathé Leeuwarden, Post-Plaza hotel & grand café and music venue Neushoorn also serving as festival locations.
Festival theme 2025: Light Makers and Night Watchers
With the festival theme Light Makers and Night Watchers, het Noordelijk Film Festival aims to shine a light in a time when there is so much darkness. We reflect on the night, because in the dark, light has the most meaning. Somewhere, no matter how small it may be. Like a lighthouse in the distance or the northern lights in the seemingly endless polar night. And in that night, we light a fire where people can warm themselves and find each other. We shine a light so that you can see another path to take. We light a lamp for new insights and a broader perspective. We spark dreams and tell stories under the stars. We conjure up images and shadows on the silver screen to show you the world, to enrich you, to comfort you and to leave you with something to talk about. We keep the light on in the darkness, with film as inspiration and the festival as a connection: the Noordelijk Film Festival emits light.
Nordic Focus & Memmetaal
The Noordelijk Film Festival distinguishes itself by focusing on cinema from across Northern Europe, from Iceland to Ireland and the United Kingdom to Scandinavia and the Baltic states. In addition to exciting feature films, intriguing documentaries, and unique arthouse films from this large northern region, the festival also screens promising films from its own region. With the Noorderkroon competition and the Industry program, it offers a stage and stepping stone for both emerging and professional talent. Since 2023, the festival has expanded to include the unique Memmetaal program line, featuring films from small language areas such as Fryslân, Sápmi, Catalonia, and the Basque Country.
Connecting
The Noordelijk Film Festival stands for hospitality and inclusiveness: we want everyone to feel welcome and accepted with us. We also stand for special encounters, for example between established filmmakers and up-and-coming talent in a master class, or at the connecting networking drinks. The festival has many long-term collaborations, both within the team (including returning volunteers) and with partners (including Stadsschouwburg De Harmonie), funds, sponsors and subsidisers. As an organisation, we are interested and involved with de mienskip.
Mission
As the North’s premier film festival, we serve audiences by highlighting films from Northern Europe and playing a catalytic role in the regional film (maker) climate. All of this within a unique atmosphere and festival experience around the big screen.
Wolkom yn Fryslân!
The Noordelijk Film Festival takes place in the heart of Leeuwarden, European Capital of Culture 2018. Year after year, visitors and guests from home and abroad praise the festival for its programming, hospitality and great atmosphere. Come and experience it yourself!