Visit by three ambassadors, searching for stardust on the rooftops of Leeuwarden and over 200 programme items during the 46th Northern Film Festival

Over five days, spread across seven programme strands and eight venues, there will be around two hundred programme items to see and experience. Of course, there will be screenings on the big screen, but wherever possible, something extra has been added: an introduction or post-screening discussion by a director, filmmaker or lead actor; or a film accompanied by live music. In addition: poetry, a film lecture, children’s films, workshops and more. Much more. “It has turned out to be a very rich programme. I’m very pleased with that,” says artistic director Henriëtte Poelman.

Theme
This year’s theme is ‘The Northern Film Festival continues the story… “Which stories are still being told? And which ones do we want to pass on to the next generation?”’, says Henriëtte, elaborating on the theme. “It’s about the art of storytelling. That is fundamentally different from simply sharing information, which is something we do all day long. And listening to a story requires genuine attention: hearing what the other person is saying and engaging with it, rather than waiting for your turn to speak again. That creates a genuine connection and opens up new perspectives.”

Development of the film industry
The Northern Film Festival also aims to contribute to the development of the film industry in the north. Henriëtte sees this as a positive development: “It’s brilliant that the Frysk Filmfûns has been set up,” she says enthusiastically. “We don’t want people to constantly look to Amsterdam and the surrounding area as the place where ‘it all happens’. We want to show what can happen right here. We want filmmakers from the north to realise that there are other paths than those that existed before. We’ll keep paving the way. There can be no regional film culture without structural investment.”

The Talent & Industry programme has therefore been expanded further again this year. “Filmmakers can meet here, gain knowledge and exchange experiences. We make this as accessible as possible, so that they can find inspiration and connect with one another. As the Northern Film Festival, we’re keen to encourage that.”

Sámi film culture in the spotlight
Ambassadors from Norway, Sweden and Finland are visiting the Northern Film Festival to put Sámi film culture in the spotlight. There is a special programme feature, ‘Sámi Stories’. This has been organised in collaboration with the embassies of Norway, Sweden and Finland, as well as various partners and filmmakers from Sápmi and the Nordic countries.

Sápmi (Lapland) is the traditional homeland of the Sámi people in Northern Europe and spans several countries. Just like Fryslân, this region has a strong distinct language and cultural identity. “The connection between Fryslân and Northern Europe forms an important basis for this gathering,” says Hester Terpstra, director of the Film in Friesland Foundation. “Based on a shared focus on language, culture and regional identity, we are exploring how film can preserve stories, bring them to light and forge connections across borders.”

On Thursday 5 November, the official presentation of Sámi Stories will take place at Stadsschouwburg De Harmonie. The highlight will be the Dutch premiere of Árru (2026), by the Sámi director Elle Sofe Sara, in the presence of guests directly involved in the film’s production. The ambassadors of Norway, Sweden and Finland, as well as the King’s Commissioner Arno Brok, will also be in attendance.

Up onto the roof with Jon Larsen
The Norwegian stardust researcher and jazz musician Jon Larsen is coming to Leeuwarden at the invitation of the Northern Film Festival. The documentary We Are Stardust will be screened during the festival.

For decades, astronomers around the world have been searching for stardust through research projects costing billions, in the hope of unravelling the mystery of life. Amateur scientist Jón Larsen claims to have found stardust right here on Earth – in a gutter. He has put his career as a jazz musician on hold to devote himself entirely to his mission, scouring rooftops to collect dust, armed with a magnet and a plastic bag.

Director Elisabeth Rasmussen has been following Larsen for several years. The protagonist himself will be present for an in-depth Q&A with the audience. But that’s not all: Larsen will be climbing onto a roof in Leeuwarden in search of stardust.

Ticket sales have begun
Ticket sales for the 46th edition of the Noordelijk Film Festival have begun. The full programme, featuring many international titles alongside Dutch (pre)premieres, can be found at www.noordelijkfilmfestival.nl.