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.
Theme 2026
The Northern Film Festival continues the story…
Humans have been telling stories for as long as we can remember. Stories anchor us in our lives and make the world a home. Stories connect us with one another and with previous generations, offer us wisdom from the past and prepare us for the future. They give us direction and perspective. And storytelling is an art. It is so much more than simply sharing information; it requires us to really listen and be open to a shared experience
Stories ensure that certain things are never forgotten. They teach us something new, but they also influence our perspective, our way of thinking and our daily lives. Stories can set change in motion – or, conversely, bring it to a halt. As a storyteller, you’re in the driving seat: you decide not only on the beginning, but also on the ending. But can every storyteller be trusted? And what makes a story good?
This year, the Noordelijk Film Festival continues the story. This edition will examine the art of storytelling, the role of folklore, what stories can set in motion, and why it is important to pass them on. Life is about telling stories, and new stories open up new ways of seeing the world. A story opens up the future, with the power of a new beginning.
What is your story?
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!