Friday 27 October
Publieksopening: Battle of the Sexes
19:00 - 21:00 Trianon 1
Approximately 100 movies will compete for your attention. Be sure to visit our Audience Opening if you want to see our visitors' favorite. In recent years we kicked off with Le Tout Nouveau Testament (2015) and Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016). Both movies garnered consistently high scores from our visitors throughout the festival. In 2017, our opening movie is Battle of the Sexes!
Rollende Beats en LIFF presenteren 'FEAR & LOATHING'
22:00 - 04:00 De Kroon
Opening night at LIFF will end in style with the second edition of a party you cannot miss. For those who attended last year: part 2 will be even more intense with more crazy outfits, a larger dose of absurdity and a line-up full of surprises. Elements from the movie will be mimicked by the organization. And you’ll be an extra this night. It’s up to you to grow and be a main character!
Saturday 28 October
Pilot Season: The Deuce & Room 104
11:45 - 13:30 Kijkhuis 2
Two brand new shows for the price of one! In association with HBO we'll bring this exclusive double bill of THE DEUCE and ROOM 104 to the big screen for one night only! In THE DEUCE, the team behind hit TV show THE WIRE tells the tale the an up-and-coming New York porn industry in the seventies. With Maggie Gyllenhaal and no fewer than two parts for indie hero James Franco, this is an absolute must-see! Not James Franca, but a hotel room plays the lead in ROOM 104, where each episode takes place in the same hotel room. Many guests tell many different stories, always pictures with humor, intimicay and and eye for detail by the Duplass brothers, who we know from their roles in LIFF winner SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED and THE ONE I LOVE.
Happy End
Drama
11:45 - 13:32 Trianon 1The new drama of two-time Golden Palm winner Michael Haneke (Das Weisse Band, Amour) gives a glimpse into the life of the rich, but very unhappy, Laurent family in Calais. Anne (Huppert) is in charge of the construction company of her frigid family and is suffering: an accident on the building site, a riotous son (Rogowski), a 12-year-old girl living with her egocentric father (Kassovitz) and a demented grandfather (Trintignant), who wants to die. Haneke brings us, once again, a star cast, strong images, and moving moments.
Golden Exits
Drama
12:00 - 13:34 Trianon 2After 2015’s Listen Up Philip, Alex Ross Perry enters the American Indie Competition once again with this tale of a young Australian woman (Emily Browning) who upsets the lives of two New York families. Her arrival causes a disruption in the balance between the two, resulting in a typical Brooklyn movie. Awkwardness is entertainment, and eruptions of neurosis lie just around the corner.
Final Portrait
Biographical, Comedy, Drama
12:00 - 13:30 Kijkhuis 1Paris, 1964. Alberto Giaocometti (Rush) encounters an old friend and asks to him to pose for him. Weeks go by with no results, and James quickly realizes that his life has been hijacked by the erratic master painter. A frustrating, joyful and chaotic search for perfection by director Staney Tucci.
Your Name
Romance, Anime
12:00 - 13:45 Trianon 3Mitsuha is a girl living in a tiny village in the mountains, but she dreams of a different life in Tokyo. Taki is a student living in Tokyo, but every night he dreams he turns into a girl living in a tiny village in the mountains. Magical anime from up-and-coming director Makoto Shinkai.
Professor Marston & The Wonder Women
Biographical, Drama
14:00 - 15:48 Trianon 2The unusual story of Harvard professor William Marston, spiritual father of Wonder Woman, in which the polyamorous relationship with his wife and former student is the point of focus. A look into the 1940s in which feminist ideals and a comic book cause controversy.
Loving Vincent
Biographical
14:15 - 15:35 Trianon 1What better way to portray the legendary Vincent van Gogh than through the very first film to consist entirely of paintings? Come for the greatest hits such as starry night, the wheat field and the postman, stay for the gripping story.
Wilde Maus
Drama, Comedy
14:15 - 15:55 Kijkhuis 2Georg (Hader) snaps when he loses his job as an opera critic due to cutbacks. His behavior becomes increasingly unusual as he attempts to hide his unemployment from his wife, leading to the comical derailment of his life.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer
Mystery, Drama, Horror
16:15 - 18:04 Trianon 1Winner of the prize for best script in Cannes and nominated for a Golden Palm. Heart surgeon Steven (Farrell) and his wife (Kidman) lead a perfect little life, until Steven takes in a teenager and has to make an impossible choice.
Keep The Change
Romance
16:30 - 18:04 Trianon 2Under the guise of a New York romantic comedy, Keep the Change does something quite radical: In a refreshingly honest way it portrays two adults on the autistic spectrum. David desperately wants to be seen as “normal,” but Sarah accepts who she is. Together they navigate the vicissitudes of a burgeoning relationship.
Keep The Change
Romance
16:30 - 18:04 Trianon 2Under the guise of a New York romantic comedy, Keep the Change does something quite radical: In a refreshingly honest way it portrays two adults on the autistic spectrum. David desperately wants to be seen as “normal,” but Sarah accepts who she is. Together they navigate the vicissitudes of a burgeoning relationship.
Un Beau Soleil Intérieur
Drama, Comedy
16:45 - 18:19 Kijkhuis 2It doesn't get much Frencher than this: In the newest film by Claire Denis the neurotic artist Isabelle (Juliette Binoche) is looking for love in the French capital.
Strawberry Days + Q&A
Romance, Drama
16:45 - 18:18 Trianon 3During summer in Sweden, a forbidden love emerges between a young Polish migrant worker and his boss' daughter. A subtle and sensual portrait by director Wiktor Ericsson, who will be attending the festival and will be holding a Q&A after the screenings of 28 and 29 October.
The Young Offenders
Comedy
17:00 - 18:25 Kijkhuis 1“There are only two things you need for an adventure,” Irish teenager Jock explains to his best friend Conor: “a treasure map, and someone dumb enough to go with you.” That’s really all you need to know about this hilarious-yet-touching biking adventure, full of tracksuits and golden chains, shot against the backdrop of the stunning Irish landscape and backed up by a soundtrack of punk and – yes – jumpstyle. A LIFF exclusive!
Suburbicon
Comedy, Mystery
18:45 - 20:30 Trianon 1When at the proper Lodge family a robbery takes place, the model family turns out to be hiding a big secret and the life in the ideal American fifties suburb completely escalates. Written by the Coen brothers, directed by George Clooney, with Matt Damon and Julianne Moore.
Suburbicon
Comedy, Mystery
18:45 - 20:30 Trianon 1When at the proper Lodge family a robbery takes place, the model family turns out to be hiding a big secret and the life in the ideal American fifties suburb completely escalates. Written by the Coen brothers, directed by George Clooney, with Matt Damon and Julianne Moore.
The Lovers
Comedy
19:00 - 20:37 Kijkhuis 2After spending years in an increasingly unhappy relationship, Mary (Debra Winger) and Michael (Tracy Wetts) decide to end their marriage. But as soon as they start to carry out their divorce, they discover an unexpected affection for one another, which leads to an unexpected romance.
Village Rockstars
Drama
19:00 - 20:27 Trianon 2A young girl in the Northeast of India dreams of starting her own rockband. With a perceptive eye, Village Rockstars follows the difficulties of a young girl in the midst of poverty and chauvinism trying to accomplish her dreams.
Person To Person + Q&A
Comedy
19:15 - 20:39 Trianon 3Through four slice-of-life stories set in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, Dustin Guy Defa signs a nostalgic love letter to New York.
You Were Never Really Here
Thriller, Drama
19:15 - 20:40 Kijkhuis 1Joe (Phoenix), a tormented war veteran, tries to save a girl from a brothel in Manhattan. He ends up in a storm of power, corruption, violence and revenge. Intense, compelling and bloodcurdling, as we are used to from Ramsay (We Need To Talk About Keving).
Brawl In Cell Block 99
Action, Crime, Thriller
21:00 - 23:12 Trianon 2When Bradley (Vince Vaughn like you've never seen him before) lands in jail after a drug deal gone wrong and an intense firefight with the police, that is only the beginning... His enemies force him into increasingly violent actions, and slowly prison changes into a battle field. Not for the faint-hearted!
Nordic Party
21:00 - 01:00 SGZ
Hej, skat! Assemble your own BILLY closet, sing along with ABBA in your Mart Smeets sweater, go hard on Aquavit: it's your Nordic Party and you'll cry if you want to. With so many Scandinavian hits in the LIFF-program a party seems essential, so Skyr things up and come off that Klippan: you are the dancing queen.
Jupiter's Moon
Drama
21:15 - 23:18 Kijkhuis 2Visual masterpiece from the director of White God. Refugee Aryan discovers he can float through the air. Together with disgraced doctor Stern, he takes to the slums of Budapest to conduct "miracles".
The Shining
Horror
21:15 - 23:41 Trianon 1Here's Johnny, again! The Shining is a horror masterpiece that doesn't need introducing. And now the classic is returning in Dutch cinemas, including a brand new exclusive introduction which you can see for the first time in Leiden. A must for Stanley Kubrick fans.
Brigsby Bear
Comedy, Drama
21:30 - 23:10 Trianon 3James, 35, is obsessed with the television show Brigsby Bear Adventures, a low-budget tv-show for children produced for an audience consisting of only one person: James. When the show ends abruptly, James' life becomes entirely uncertain. From that moment on he has one clear goal: finish the story of Brigsby Bear himself. Brigsby Bear is a heartfelt, moving film about creativity; a film to love!
Sunday 29 October
The Mountain Between Us
Action, Adventure, Drama
11:30 - 13:13 Trianon 1Ben (Elba) and Alex (Winslet) have only known each other for a few hours, yet are stuck with each other. After a plane accident leaves them stranded in the snowy mountains, they have to find a way to survive in this beautiful compelling drama.
The Lovers
Comedy
12:00 - 13:37 Kijkhuis 2After spending years in an increasingly unhappy relationship, Mary (Debra Winger) and Michael (Tracy Wetts) decide to end their marriage. But as soon as they start to carry out their divorce, they discover an unexpected affection for one another, which leads to an unexpected romance.
Under The Tree
Comedy, Drama
12:00 - 13:29 Trianon 3A quarrel between neighbors about a tree that causes shade on a sun deck, quickly escalates into violent and tragic confrontations. Each character proves to be a complicated individual in this fusion of family drama and black comedy.
Big Fish & Begonia
Anime, Adventure
12:15 - 14:00 Kijkhuis 1In a world within our world unseen by any humans, creatures with enormous power exist. This is where Chun lives, who transforms in a dolphin when she turns sixteen so that she can explore the human world. There she meets a boy with whom she develops an extraordinary bond. The Reel China programme is made possible by the Confucius Instituut.
Love and Goodbye and Hawaii
Romance, Comedy
12:15 - 13:48 Trianon 2Rinko en Isamu zijn uit elkaar, maar wonen nog steeds samen. Rinko heeft echter nog steeds gevoelens voor Isamu en blijkt al snel niet de enige te zijn. Deze romcom won op het Osaka Asian Film Festival de Japan Cuts Awards.
Love and Goodbye and Hawaii
Romance, Comedy
12:15 - 13:48 Trianon 2Rinko en Isamu zijn uit elkaar, maar wonen nog steeds samen. Rinko heeft echter nog steeds gevoelens voor Isamu en blijkt al snel niet de enige te zijn. Deze romcom won op het Osaka Asian Film Festival de Japan Cuts Awards.
The Snowman
Crime, Drama, Horror
13:45 - 15:50 Trianon 1Detective Harry Mole (Michael Fassbender) investigates the disappearance of a woman whose scarf was found near an ominous snowman. Once he fears that a serial killer is active again, he must connect old cases to new ones before the next snowfall.
Colossal
Sci-Fi
14:15 - 16:05 Trianon 2Gloria (Hathaway) has no job, no money, no purpose in life and, as of now, no boyfriend (Stevens) and hence no place to stay. She sets out for the small-town America she grew up in, gets herself a job as a waitress in a bar that belongs to her old friend-slash-softy Oscar (Sudeikis) and otherwise occupies herself with sleeping and daytime drinking. But then Seoul is attacked by a giant monster, with whom Gloria seems to have a very special bond…
Menashe + Q&A
Drama
14:15 - 15:36 Trianon 3The directing debut by Joshua Z Weinstein is almost anthropological, but feels instantly familiar. The movie about a lower-class father trying to raise his son was one of the biggest hits at Sundance this year. Shot exclusively in Brooklyn’s orthodox Hasidic community – with a cast of real-life Hasidim and an almost entirely Yiddish script – the film has a unique, intimate feel that, despite its confined setting, extends far beyond the small neighborhood’s borders. We are also proud to welcome back two-time LIFF-alumnus producer/co-writer Alex Lipschultz to our festival, who will be present during the screenings of 29 and 30 October for a Q&A.
Pilot Season: Monster & Comrad Detective
14:15 - 16:00 Kijkhuis 2
Two brand new TV shows for the price of one! Two very different detectives are at work in MONSTER and COMRADE DETECTIVE. LIFF alumna Anne Sewistky, who visited Leiden earlier with her film HAPPY HAPPY, is back with a TV series full of suspense and mystery. Survived the pilot? Then it's time for some comic relief with COMRAD DETETIVE, bizarre as well as hilarious. Channing Tatum and Joseph Gordon-Leviit take on the leads in this found footage-show set in Romania in the 80s. Long lost, now found, this is propoganda like you've never seen before!
A Sort Of Family
Drama
14:30 - 16:05 Kijkhuis 1Venice and Cannes-selected director Diego Lerman (Refugiado) brings us A SORT OF FAMILY, an intense road-movie with an impressive performance by Goya® Award-winner Bárbara Lennie (Magical Girl).
C'est La Vie!
Comedy
16:15 - 18:10 Trianon 1A wedding is the happiest day in any lucky couple's life. But to caterer Max and his colleagues, it's a day like any other. Although... a view behind the scenes of a spectacular wedding in a 17th century castle reveals that every moment of joy can easily turn into a disaster. The team from Les Intouchables returns with a new comedy that will no doubt turn into a huge hit. The LIFF is your chance to be the first to see it!
Bad Genius
Crime, Comedy
16:30 - 18:40 Trianon 3A quartet of high school students are better at cheating than anything you've ever done in your life in this epic nail-biter about the standardized tests that level the playing field for all kids, smart and dumb, rich and poor.
Tehran Taboo
Drama
16:30 - 18:06 Trianon 2As in every big city, in Tehran everyone does all that is forbidden, such as sex, drugs, adultery, corruption and prostitution. In this animated film the lives of four young people cross paths who as a daily ritual are trying to bypass taboos, privately as well as publicly.
Final Portrait
Biographical, Comedy, Drama
16:30 - 18:00 Kijkhuis 1Paris, 1964. Alberto Giaocometti (Rush) encounters an old friend and asks to him to pose for him. Weeks go by with no results, and James quickly realizes that his life has been hijacked by the erratic master painter. A frustrating, joyful and chaotic search for perfection by director Staney Tucci.
Strawberry Days + Q&A
Romance, Drama
16:45 - 18:18 Kijkhuis 2During summer in Sweden, a forbidden love emerges between a young Polish migrant worker and his boss' daughter. A subtle and sensual portrait by director Wiktor Ericsson, who will be attending the festival and will be holding a Q&A after the screenings of 28 and 29 October.
Insyriated + Intro
Drama, War
18:30 - 20:45 Kijkhuis 1A mother tries to give her family a safe haven at home, while a war is happening and snipers are lying outside of her house. This nerve-racking examination of the daily life in Damascus won an audience award at the Berlinale.
A Ciambra
Drama
18:45 - 20:45 Trianon 2A night in the life of Pio, a fourteen-year-old Romani boy in South-Italy. He smokes, drinks and follows around his big brother Cosimo around in order to learn to survive on the streets. However, when Cosimo disappears, Pio is suddenly pressured to prove that he can follow in his brother's footsteps and become a real man.
Band Aid
Comedy, Drama
19:15 - 20:46 Trianon 3Married couple Anna (Lister-Jones, known for her role in New Girl AND an old friend of our very own festival, that she visited to promote her film Breaking Upwards in 2009) and Ben (Pally) fight constantly. Until one day they come up with the brilliant idea to start a band and use their arguments as songwriting inspiration. Band Aid offers an honest, intelligent, and hilarious perspective on modern relationships. Lister-Jones, Pally and the rest of the all-female crew create a moving and comedic portrayal of a couple in denial.
Fantastic Planet incl. live filmmuziek
Sci-Fi
19:30 - 20:46 Trianon 1This futuristic story takes place on a faraway planet where blue giants rule, and oppressed humanoids rebel against the machine-like leaders.
Person To Person + Q&A
Comedy
21:15 - 22:39 Trianon 3Through four slice-of-life stories set in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, Dustin Guy Defa signs a nostalgic love letter to New York.
Becoming Bond
Biographical, Comedy
21:15 - 22:47 Trianon 2“The name is Lazenby, George Lazenby.” A LIFF exclusive, this is the absolutely unbelievable true story of an Austrialian car salesman who accidentally becomes the next James Bond. And then turns down the next six films, a million dollar deal, as well as eternal glory. Featuring George Lazenby as himself, a man who always did have secret agent qualities – both the good and the bad ones.
Battle Of The Sexes
Biographical, Comedy, Drama
21:30 - 23:31 Trianon 1Can Billie Jean King (Stone), the world best female tennis player, beat Bobby Riggs (Carell), former champion and intolerable chauvinist? The makers of Little Miss Sunshine tell the true story in this funny and thrilling comedy.
God's Own Country
Drama
21:30 - 23:14 Kijkhuis 2Sheep farmer Jonny (O'Connor) fills his life with alcohol and casual sex. When the Romanian immigrant Gheorge (Secareanu) comes to work on the farm, Jonny develops unexpected feelings for him. A beautiful and lasting debut by director Francis Lee.
Monday 30 October
Thank You For Your Service
Drama, War
13:45 - 15:33 Trianon 1How does one come home from war? 'Thank You For Your Service' follows a group of returned soldiers from Iraq, the difficulties of reintegration in civilization and family life and the influence of post-traumatic stress disorder on themselves and their surroundings.
On Body And Soul
Drama, Romance
14:00 - 15:56 Trianon 2Two introvert colleagues find out by accident that they share the same exact dream every night. The consequence is a modest love story in the bizarre and graphically displayed environment of a slaughterhouse in Budapest. Winner of the Berlin film festival.
Heartstone
Drama
14:00 - 16:09 Trianon 3Set in a remote fishing village in Iceland. Teenage boys Thor and Christian experience a turbulent summer in which they are confronted with feelings for girls, themselves, and the hard reality of growing up. A beautifully shot film with brilliant acting by the young cast, whose emotions bubble underneath the surface like an Icelandic volcano. Winner of several prizes including the audience award at the film festival of Copenhagen.
Un Beau Soleil Intérieur
Drama, Comedy
14:15 - 15:49 Kijkhuis 2It doesn't get much Frencher than this: In the newest film by Claire Denis the neurotic artist Isabelle (Juliette Binoche) is looking for love in the French capital.
Wonderstruck
Drama, Mystery
16:15 - 18:10 Trianon 1Todd Haynes (Carol) has crafted an extraordinary fairy tale. Two children drift across a magical New York. Although they live in different decades, they have more in common than they know. Wonderstruck is visually and emotionally enchanting. The stars look very different today.
Our Time Will Come
Drama, War
16:30 - 18:40 Kijkhuis 1This war film by award winning director Ann Hui tells the story of the legendary 'Fang Gu', one of the key figures during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kon in the 1940s. An image of the battle for freedom and independence. The Reel China programme is made possible by the Confucius Instituut.
Jungle
Action, Adventure, Drama
16:30 - 18:24 Trianon 2Based on true events, Jungle tells te story of four friends going on an adventurous trip through the Bolivian jungle. When an accident happens during rafting, the adventure quickly transforms into a nightmare. Yossi (Radcliffe) is separated from his friend and needs to find a way to survive by himself in the Amazon jungle.
Dave Made A Maze + Q&A
Comedy
16:45 - 18:05 Trianon 3It can happen to the best of us: you come home from a weekend away and your boyfriend, frustrated artist Dave (Thune), tells you that he's stuck in his self-made cardboard maze. It befalls Annie (Kumbhani), who sets aside her disbelief and enters the maze along with some acquaintances for a rescue mission, which comes with serious consequences... You don't want to miss this ingenious, funny and creative film! Followed by a Q&A with actrice Meera Kuhmbani on October 30 and 31.
Good Time
Thriller
16:45 - 18:25 Kijkhuis 2After a failed bank robbery during which his younger brother is arrested, Connie (a brilliant Robert Pattinson) tries desperately to find the money to bail him out. His plan completely derails and he becomes tangled up in a night full of chaos and violence.
Happy End
Drama
18:45 - 20:32 Trianon 1The new drama of two-time Golden Palm winner Michael Haneke (Das Weisse Band, Amour) gives a glimpse into the life of the rich, but very unhappy, Laurent family in Calais. Anne (Huppert) is in charge of the construction company of her frigid family and is suffering: an accident on the building site, a riotous son (Rogowski), a 12-year-old girl living with her egocentric father (Kassovitz) and a demented grandfather (Trintignant), who wants to die. Haneke brings us, once again, a star cast, strong images, and moving moments.
Menashe + Q&A
Drama
19:00 - 20:21 Kijkhuis 2The directing debut by Joshua Z Weinstein is almost anthropological, but feels instantly familiar. The movie about a lower-class father trying to raise his son was one of the biggest hits at Sundance this year. Shot exclusively in Brooklyn’s orthodox Hasidic community – with a cast of real-life Hasidim and an almost entirely Yiddish script – the film has a unique, intimate feel that, despite its confined setting, extends far beyond the small neighborhood’s borders. We are also proud to welcome back two-time LIFF-alumnus producer/co-writer Alex Lipschultz to our festival, who will be present during the screenings of 29 and 30 October for a Q&A.
Roman Holiday
Comedy, Romance
19:00 - 20:58 HortusAudrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck fall in love in romantic Rome...
Becoming Bond
Biographical, Comedy
19:00 - 20:32 Trianon 2“The name is Lazenby, George Lazenby.” A LIFF exclusive, this is the absolutely unbelievable true story of an Austrialian car salesman who accidentally becomes the next James Bond. And then turns down the next six films, a million dollar deal, as well as eternal glory. Featuring George Lazenby as himself, a man who always did have secret agent qualities – both the good and the bad ones.
How To Talk To Girls At Parties
Comedy, Sci-Fi
19:15 - 20:57 Trianon 3An alien making a tour along the galaxy accidentally finds herself in the most dangerous place in the universe: Croydon. That's where she meets the hopeless adolescent Enn, who just discovered the Sex Pistols... With Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning.
Under The Tree
Comedy, Drama
19:15 - 20:44 Kijkhuis 1A quarrel between neighbors about a tree that causes shade on a sun deck, quickly escalates into violent and tragic confrontations. Each character proves to be a complicated individual in this fusion of family drama and black comedy.
On Her Majesty's Secret Service
Action, Adventure
21:00 - 23:22 Trianon 2He portrayed the world's most famous secret agent one time and one time only: George Lazenby. In this part, Bond has to solve this big mystery which takes him to various exotic locations, he drives a cool car and meets lots of beautiful women.
Blade Runner 2049 + Intro
Action, Sci-Fi
21:15 - 00:13 Trianon 130 years after the events in Blade Runner, Ryan Gosling chases after androids and encounters Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford). The newest by Denis Villeneuve (Arrival, Sicario) is again a visual masterpiece. With an introductory talk by science journalist George van Hal.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer
Mystery, Drama, Horror
21:15 - 23:04 Kijkhuis 2Winner of the prize for best script in Cannes and nominated for a Golden Palm. Heart surgeon Steven (Farrell) and his wife (Kidman) lead a perfect little life, until Steven takes in a teenager and has to make an impossible choice.
A Ghost Story
Drama, Fantasy, Romance
21:30 - 22:57 Trianon 3In 2013, director David Lowery surprised the audience at LIFF with the beautiful Ain't Them Bodies Saints. This year he is back in Leiden with the equally bizarre as poetic A Ghost Story. A unique experiment in which a ghost, recently passed away, attempts to keep his relationship with his mourning wife alive. Plus, the ghost is portrayed by Casey Affleck covered in a white sheet.
Perfetti Sconosciuti
Drama
21:30 - 23:07 HortusDuring a dinner party, a group of friends decides to keep all their phones on the table and share all incoming messages...
Oh Lucy!
Comedy, Drama
21:30 - 23:07 Kijkhuis 1Unhappy Setsuko (Terajima) gets persuaded to take English classes with a quite unconventional teacher (Harnett), who changes her literally as wel as figuratively. With a blond wig and the name Lucy, life is starting to look a whole lot brighter.
Tuesday 31 October
A Ciambra
Drama
13:45 - 15:45 Trianon 2A night in the life of Pio, a fourteen-year-old Romani boy in South-Italy. He smokes, drinks and follows around his big brother Cosimo around in order to learn to survive on the streets. However, when Cosimo disappears, Pio is suddenly pressured to prove that he can follow in his brother's footsteps and become a real man.
Our Time Will Come
Drama, War
14:00 - 16:10 Kijkhuis 1This war film by award winning director Ann Hui tells the story of the legendary 'Fang Gu', one of the key figures during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kon in the 1940s. An image of the battle for freedom and independence. The Reel China programme is made possible by the Confucius Instituut.
Jupiter's Moon
Drama
16:15 - 18:18 Trianon 2Visual masterpiece from the director of White God. Refugee Aryan discovers he can float through the air. Together with disgraced doctor Stern, he takes to the slums of Budapest to conduct "miracles".
Keep The Change
Romance
16:30 - 18:04 Trianon 1Under the guise of a New York romantic comedy, Keep the Change does something quite radical: In a refreshingly honest way it portrays two adults on the autistic spectrum. David desperately wants to be seen as “normal,” but Sarah accepts who she is. Together they navigate the vicissitudes of a burgeoning relationship.
Oh Lucy!
Comedy, Drama
16:30 - 18:07 Kijkhuis 2Unhappy Setsuko (Terajima) gets persuaded to take English classes with a quite unconventional teacher (Harnett), who changes her literally as wel as figuratively. With a blond wig and the name Lucy, life is starting to look a whole lot brighter.
Big Fish & Begonia
Anime, Adventure
16:45 - 18:30 Kijkhuis 1In a world within our world unseen by any humans, creatures with enormous power exist. This is where Chun lives, who transforms in a dolphin when she turns sixteen so that she can explore the human world. There she meets a boy with whom she develops an extraordinary bond. The Reel China programme is made possible by the Confucius Instituut.
Petit Paysan
Drama
18:45 - 20:15 Kijkhuis 2Pierre is a 30-year-old dairy farmer. His life revolves around the family farm he took over, his cows, his veterinarian sister, and his parents. When the first cases of an epidemic disease break out in France, Pierre finds out one of his animals is infected. Losing his cows is not an option for Pierre. He has nothing else and he will do whatever it takes to save them.
C'est La Vie!
Comedy
19:00 - 20:55 Trianon 1A wedding is the happiest day in any lucky couple's life. But to caterer Max and his colleagues, it's a day like any other. Although... a view behind the scenes of a spectacular wedding in a 17th century castle reveals that every moment of joy can easily turn into a disaster. The team from Les Intouchables returns with a new comedy that will no doubt turn into a huge hit. The LIFF is your chance to be the first to see it!
Hostages
Drama
19:00 - 20:44 Kijkhuis 1Georgian SSR,1983. A group of well-to-do young people are enjoying a swim in the Black Sea, but in their minds they're busy trying to escape life outside the Soviet-Union. Hijacking a plane turns out to be much more difficult than the group had predicted. A new moving story by the creative team behind the Oscar winning drama Ida.
Dave Made A Maze + Q&A
Comedy
19:15 - 20:35 Trianon 2It can happen to the best of us: you come home from a weekend away and your boyfriend, frustrated artist Dave (Thune), tells you that he's stuck in his self-made cardboard maze. It befalls Annie (Kumbhani), who sets aside her disbelief and enters the maze along with some acquaintances for a rescue mission, which comes with serious consequences... You don't want to miss this ingenious, funny and creative film! Followed by a Q&A with actrice Meera Kuhmbani on October 30 and 31.
A Ghost Story
Drama, Fantasy, Romance
19:30 - 20:57 Trianon 3In 2013, director David Lowery surprised the audience at LIFF with the beautiful Ain't Them Bodies Saints. This year he is back in Leiden with the equally bizarre as poetic A Ghost Story. A unique experiment in which a ghost, recently passed away, attempts to keep his relationship with his mourning wife alive. Plus, the ghost is portrayed by Casey Affleck covered in a white sheet.
The Destruction Of Memory
Documentary
19:30 - 21:21 RMOA documentary by filmmaker Tim Slade about the destruction of cultural heritage and its consequences for mankind. The film not only focusses on the recent destructions in Syria and Iraq by ISIS, but provides other contemporary examples as well.
LIFF On Demand: The Infinite Man
Comedy, Sci-Fi
21:00 - 23:00 Kijkhuis 2Kijkhuis on Demand LIFF Style! Each first Tuesday of the month, visitors of the Kijkhuis are allowed to decide which film is gonna go on the big screen that night. Since this time, that Tuesday takes place during our festival, we'll happily take on that tradition - just this once! The choice this time is between three Australian classics, presented in association with the Australian embassy. And the winner is... The Infinite Man! A big hit at the LIFF 2014 edition, this sci-fi comedy tells the story of Dean (McConville), who attempts to fix his failed romantic weekend with his girlfriend by going back in time, with many unexpected consequences.
Bad Genius
Crime, Comedy
21:30 - 23:40 Trianon 3A quartet of high school students are better at cheating than anything you've ever done in your life in this epic nail-biter about the standardized tests that level the playing field for all kids, smart and dumb, rich and poor.
Tehran Taboo
Drama
21:45 - 23:21 Trianon 2As in every big city, in Tehran everyone does all that is forbidden, such as sex, drugs, adultery, corruption and prostitution. In this animated film the lives of four young people cross paths who as a daily ritual are trying to bypass taboos, privately as well as publicly.
Menashe
Drama
21:45 - 23:06 Trianon 1The directing debut by Joshua Z Weinstein is almost anthropological, but feels instantly familiar. The movie about a lower-class father trying to raise his son was one of the biggest hits at Sundance this year. Shot exclusively in Brooklyn’s orthodox Hasidic community – with a cast of real-life Hasidim and an almost entirely Yiddish script – the film has a unique, intimate feel that, despite its confined setting, extends far beyond the small neighborhood’s borders. We are also proud to welcome back two-time LIFF-alumnus producer/co-writer Alex Lipschultz to our festival, who will be present during the screenings of 29 and 30 October for a Q&A.
Wednesday 01 November
Insyriated + Intro
Drama, War
13:45 - 16:00 Kijkhuis 1A mother tries to give her family a safe haven at home, while a war is happening and snipers are lying outside of her house. This nerve-racking examination of the daily life in Damascus won an audience award at the Berlinale.
Operation Mekong
Action, Crime
13:45 - 15:49 Trianon 3When two cargo ships are attacked on the Mekong-river, the Chinese government decides to once and for all make an end to this infamous smuggling route. However, the way to justice is one with many dangerous and deathly obstacles. Based on the true story of the Mekong Massacre. The Reel China programme is made possible by the Confucius Instituut.
Final Portrait
Biographical, Comedy, Drama
14:00 - 15:30 Trianon 1Paris, 1964. Alberto Giaocometti (Rush) encounters an old friend and asks to him to pose for him. Weeks go by with no results, and James quickly realizes that his life has been hijacked by the erratic master painter. A frustrating, joyful and chaotic search for perfection by director Staney Tucci.
Naturalis en LIFF presenteren: Sneeuwwitje
Children Animation, Family, Fantasy
14:00 - 15:23 Trianon 2In collaboration with Naturalis We all know the scene: Snow White takes a bite from the poisoned apple and... falls down.But look! She is saved by the prince! Obviously, an apple is not poisonous. It was MADE poisonous by the Evil Queen! But how does this work in nature? Are there really any fruits and veggies that are poisonous?
Strawberry Days + Q&A
Romance, Drama
14:15 - 15:48 Kijkhuis 2During summer in Sweden, a forbidden love emerges between a young Polish migrant worker and his boss' daughter. A subtle and sensual portrait by director Wiktor Ericsson, who will be attending the festival and will be holding a Q&A after the screenings of 28 and 29 October.
A Ciambra
Drama
16:00 - 18:00 Trianon 2A night in the life of Pio, a fourteen-year-old Romani boy in South-Italy. He smokes, drinks and follows around his big brother Cosimo around in order to learn to survive on the streets. However, when Cosimo disappears, Pio is suddenly pressured to prove that he can follow in his brother's footsteps and become a real man.
Breathe
Romance
16:15 - 18:12 Trianon 1The directorial debut of Andy Serkis tells the true story of the adventurous and brilliant Robin (Garfield), who suddenly gets paralyzed by polio. His wife Diana (Foy, known from the Crown) doesn't give up and is determined to take him home and make him better. A gripping and hopeful story about courage, love and progress, and what it means to be free.
The Stanford Prison Experiment + Intro
Drama
18:30 - 20:05 Trianon 3Based on the actual events that took place in 1971, when Stanford professor Dr. Philip Zimbardo created what became one of the most shocking and famous social experiments of all time.
Duckweed
Drama, Comedy
18:45 - 20:27 Trianon 2A racing driver in 2022 ends up in an accident and experiences a near-death-experience. In that moment he travels back in time to the 1990s to find his father and mother, whom he's never met, in a small Chinese town. The Reel China programme is made possible by the Confucius Instituut.
A Sort Of Family
Drama
19:00 - 20:35 Kijkhuis 1Venice and Cannes-selected director Diego Lerman (Refugiado) brings us A SORT OF FAMILY, an intense road-movie with an impressive performance by Goya® Award-winner Bárbara Lennie (Magical Girl).
Wilde Maus
Drama, Comedy
19:00 - 20:40 Trianon 1Georg (Hader) snaps when he loses his job as an opera critic due to cutbacks. His behavior becomes increasingly unusual as he attempts to hide his unemployment from his wife, leading to the comical derailment of his life.
You Were Never Really Here
Thriller, Drama
19:15 - 20:40 Kijkhuis 2Joe (Phoenix), a tormented war veteran, tries to save a girl from a brothel in Manhattan. He ends up in a storm of power, corruption, violence and revenge. Intense, compelling and bloodcurdling, as we are used to from Ramsay (We Need To Talk About Keving).
Letters From Baghdad
Documentary
19:30 - 21:35 RMOAt the end of the 19th century, British Gertrude Bell (1868-1926) traveled to Iraq and was politically and culturally active there. Her correspondence gives an unique look into her experiences in the Middle East. Filmmakers Zeva Oelbaum and Sabine Krayenbühl created a portrayal of Bell on the basis of film footage and her letters, voiced by Oscar winner Tilda Swinton. In her introductory lecture Nicky van de Beek talks about how a selection of women succeeded in traveling to the Middle East and doing important work there.
LIFF Film Quiz
20:00 - 23:00 Scheltema
Quizmasters Max, Nils and Hans are going to be challenging you again, but only in the area of film and film-related matters. The unmistakable feeling of pen on paper, the taste of popcorn, the cold sweat of the competing teams and then of course the questions, the images, the videos. In short, all senses will be stimulated at the LIFF Filmquiz. The rules are as always; a maximum of 5 people a team, registering on the night itself ánd participation is again this year completely free. Entry starts from 7:30 pm to grab a seat and naturally there are fun prizes to win!
Golden Exits
Drama
21:15 - 22:49 Trianon 2After 2015’s Listen Up Philip, Alex Ross Perry enters the American Indie Competition once again with this tale of a young Australian woman (Emily Browning) who upsets the lives of two New York families. Her arrival causes a disruption in the balance between the two, resulting in a typical Brooklyn movie. Awkwardness is entertainment, and eruptions of neurosis lie just around the corner.
The Young Offenders
Comedy
21:15 - 22:40 Kijkhuis 1“There are only two things you need for an adventure,” Irish teenager Jock explains to his best friend Conor: “a treasure map, and someone dumb enough to go with you.” That’s really all you need to know about this hilarious-yet-touching biking adventure, full of tracksuits and golden chains, shot against the backdrop of the stunning Irish landscape and backed up by a soundtrack of punk and – yes – jumpstyle. A LIFF exclusive!
Suburbicon
Comedy, Mystery
21:30 - 23:15 Trianon 1When at the proper Lodge family a robbery takes place, the model family turns out to be hiding a big secret and the life in the ideal American fifties suburb completely escalates. Written by the Coen brothers, directed by George Clooney, with Matt Damon and Julianne Moore.
Petit Paysan
Drama
21:30 - 23:00 Kijkhuis 2Pierre is a 30-year-old dairy farmer. His life revolves around the family farm he took over, his cows, his veterinarian sister, and his parents. When the first cases of an epidemic disease break out in France, Pierre finds out one of his animals is infected. Losing his cows is not an option for Pierre. He has nothing else and he will do whatever it takes to save them.
Thursday 02 November
Duckweed
Drama, Comedy
13:45 - 15:27 Trianon 2A racing driver in 2022 ends up in an accident and experiences a near-death-experience. In that moment he travels back in time to the 1990s to find his father and mother, whom he's never met, in a small Chinese town. The Reel China programme is made possible by the Confucius Instituut.
Heartstone
Drama
14:15 - 16:24 Trianon 3Set in a remote fishing village in Iceland. Teenage boys Thor and Christian experience a turbulent summer in which they are confronted with feelings for girls, themselves, and the hard reality of growing up. A beautifully shot film with brilliant acting by the young cast, whose emotions bubble underneath the surface like an Icelandic volcano. Winner of several prizes including the audience award at the film festival of Copenhagen.
The Mountain Between Us
Action, Adventure, Drama
14:15 - 15:58 Trianon 1Ben (Elba) and Alex (Winslet) have only known each other for a few hours, yet are stuck with each other. After a plane accident leaves them stranded in the snowy mountains, they have to find a way to survive in this beautiful compelling drama.
C'est La Vie!
Comedy
16:30 - 18:25 Kijkhuis 1A wedding is the happiest day in any lucky couple's life. But to caterer Max and his colleagues, it's a day like any other. Although... a view behind the scenes of a spectacular wedding in a 17th century castle reveals that every moment of joy can easily turn into a disaster. The team from Les Intouchables returns with a new comedy that will no doubt turn into a huge hit. The LIFF is your chance to be the first to see it!
On Body And Soul
Drama, Romance
16:45 - 18:41 Kijkhuis 2Two introvert colleagues find out by accident that they share the same exact dream every night. The consequence is a modest love story in the bizarre and graphically displayed environment of a slaughterhouse in Budapest. Winner of the Berlin film festival.
The Snowman
Crime, Drama, Horror
16:45 - 18:50 Trianon 1Detective Harry Mole (Michael Fassbender) investigates the disappearance of a woman whose scarf was found near an ominous snowman. Once he fears that a serial killer is active again, he must connect old cases to new ones before the next snowfall.
Your Name
Romance, Anime
17:00 - 18:45 Trianon 3Mitsuha is a girl living in a tiny village in the mountains, but she dreams of a different life in Tokyo. Taki is a student living in Tokyo, but every night he dreams he turns into a girl living in a tiny village in the mountains. Magical anime from up-and-coming director Makoto Shinkai.
Jungle
Action, Adventure, Drama
19:00 - 20:54 Trianon 2Based on true events, Jungle tells te story of four friends going on an adventurous trip through the Bolivian jungle. When an accident happens during rafting, the adventure quickly transforms into a nightmare. Yossi (Radcliffe) is separated from his friend and needs to find a way to survive by himself in the Amazon jungle.
God's Own Country
Drama
19:00 - 20:44 Kijkhuis 1Sheep farmer Jonny (O'Connor) fills his life with alcohol and casual sex. When the Romanian immigrant Gheorge (Secareanu) comes to work on the farm, Jonny develops unexpected feelings for him. A beautiful and lasting debut by director Francis Lee.
Brigsby Bear
Comedy, Drama
19:15 - 20:55 Trianon 3James, 35, is obsessed with the television show Brigsby Bear Adventures, a low-budget tv-show for children produced for an audience consisting of only one person: James. When the show ends abruptly, James' life becomes entirely uncertain. From that moment on he has one clear goal: finish the story of Brigsby Bear himself. Brigsby Bear is a heartfelt, moving film about creativity; a film to love!
Breathe
Romance
19:15 - 21:12 Kijkhuis 2The directorial debut of Andy Serkis tells the true story of the adventurous and brilliant Robin (Garfield), who suddenly gets paralyzed by polio. His wife Diana (Foy, known from the Crown) doesn't give up and is determined to take him home and make him better. A gripping and hopeful story about courage, love and progress, and what it means to be free.
Sneak Preview
19:30 - 21:15 Trianon 1
The movie about the worst movie ever made. Won prize for best movie at the San Sebastian film festival. Followed by the worst movie ever made. Just trust us: you do not want to miss this exclusive premiere.
Aladdin
Comedy, Adventure
19:30 - 21:30 RMOAfter 25 years still magical: the story of Aladdin, the street boy who accidentally makes a ghost (voiced by Robin Williams) appear out of a magical lamp and gets his help to conquer the heart of princess Jasmine. The film is introduced by Arnoud Vrolijk, curator of Eastern manuscripts and old prints of the library at the University of Leiden. He will talk about the arrival of the 1001 Night-stories in the Netherlands in the early eighteenth century and how people reacted to them.
Colossal
Sci-Fi
21:30 - 23:20 Trianon 2Gloria (Hathaway) has no job, no money, no purpose in life and, as of now, no boyfriend (Stevens) and hence no place to stay. She sets out for the small-town America she grew up in, gets herself a job as a waitress in a bar that belongs to her old friend-slash-softy Oscar (Sudeikis) and otherwise occupies herself with sleeping and daytime drinking. But then Seoul is attacked by a giant monster, with whom Gloria seems to have a very special bond…
Who We Are Now
Drama
21:30 - 23:09 Kijkhuis 1The lives of two different women are slowly becoming entangled in this beautiful drama by Matthew Netwon (From Nowhere). A phenomenal portrayal by Julianna Nicholson of an ex-con who is trying to get on the right path and the ambitious lawyer (Roberts) who helps her fight for custody of her son.
The Lovers
Comedy
21:45 - 23:22 Kijkhuis 2After spending years in an increasingly unhappy relationship, Mary (Debra Winger) and Michael (Tracy Wetts) decide to end their marriage. But as soon as they start to carry out their divorce, they discover an unexpected affection for one another, which leads to an unexpected romance.
The Room
Drama, Comedy
21:45 - 23:24 Trianon 1This 'worst movie ever made' has turned into a cult classic. With a minimal budget and even less capacity Tommy Wisseau put together a weird trainwreck of a movie that you somehow don't want to look away from. Definitely a must-see, especially if you've just seen the making-of...
Friday 03 November
A Sort Of Family
Drama
12:00 - 13:35 Kijkhuis 1Venice and Cannes-selected director Diego Lerman (Refugiado) brings us A SORT OF FAMILY, an intense road-movie with an impressive performance by Goya® Award-winner Bárbara Lennie (Magical Girl).
You Were Never Really Here
Thriller, Drama
12:00 - 13:25 Trianon 1Joe (Phoenix), a tormented war veteran, tries to save a girl from a brothel in Manhattan. He ends up in a storm of power, corruption, violence and revenge. Intense, compelling and bloodcurdling, as we are used to from Ramsay (We Need To Talk About Keving).
Your Name
Romance, Anime
12:00 - 13:45 Trianon 3Mitsuha is a girl living in a tiny village in the mountains, but she dreams of a different life in Tokyo. Taki is a student living in Tokyo, but every night he dreams he turns into a girl living in a tiny village in the mountains. Magical anime from up-and-coming director Makoto Shinkai.
Golden Exits
Drama
12:15 - 13:49 Trianon 2After 2015’s Listen Up Philip, Alex Ross Perry enters the American Indie Competition once again with this tale of a young Australian woman (Emily Browning) who upsets the lives of two New York families. Her arrival causes a disruption in the balance between the two, resulting in a typical Brooklyn movie. Awkwardness is entertainment, and eruptions of neurosis lie just around the corner.
Happy End
Drama
14:00 - 15:47 Trianon 1The new drama of two-time Golden Palm winner Michael Haneke (Das Weisse Band, Amour) gives a glimpse into the life of the rich, but very unhappy, Laurent family in Calais. Anne (Huppert) is in charge of the construction company of her frigid family and is suffering: an accident on the building site, a riotous son (Rogowski), a 12-year-old girl living with her egocentric father (Kassovitz) and a demented grandfather (Trintignant), who wants to die. Haneke brings us, once again, a star cast, strong images, and moving moments.
Heartstone
Drama
14:15 - 16:24 Trianon 3Set in a remote fishing village in Iceland. Teenage boys Thor and Christian experience a turbulent summer in which they are confronted with feelings for girls, themselves, and the hard reality of growing up. A beautifully shot film with brilliant acting by the young cast, whose emotions bubble underneath the surface like an Icelandic volcano. Winner of several prizes including the audience award at the film festival of Copenhagen.
Village Rockstars
Drama
14:15 - 15:42 Trianon 2A young girl in the Northeast of India dreams of starting her own rockband. With a perceptive eye, Village Rockstars follows the difficulties of a young girl in the midst of poverty and chauvinism trying to accomplish her dreams.
Ice Mother
Drama
14:15 - 16:00 Kijkhuis 2All of her life Katerina (Vilhelmová) has been taking care of her spoiled sons. Then she meets the careless Brona, an ice swimmer who lives in an old bus with his chickens. Impressed, she decides to take a dip in the cold water herself.
Sami Blood
Drama
16:15 - 18:05 Trianon 2Sami Blood tells the gripping story of a fourteen-year-old Sami girl in the 1930’s in Sweden. Having to face racism and undergoing terrible medical procedures at school, she starts to dream of a different life, even if it would mean leaving behind her family and culture.
Best of LISFE
16:30 - 18:15 Kijkhuis 2
A selection of the best shorts of the yearly Leiden International Short Film Festival. Every year in May, 130 of the best shorts from more than 20 countries come to Leiden, with genres ranging from animation to documentary and from comedy to horror.
Good Time
Thriller
16:30 - 18:10 Trianon 1After a failed bank robbery during which his younger brother is arrested, Connie (a brilliant Robert Pattinson) tries desperately to find the money to bail him out. His plan completely derails and he becomes tangled up in a night full of chaos and violence.
Who We Are Now
Drama
16:45 - 18:24 Kijkhuis 1The lives of two different women are slowly becoming entangled in this beautiful drama by Matthew Netwon (From Nowhere). A phenomenal portrayal by Julianna Nicholson of an ex-con who is trying to get on the right path and the ambitious lawyer (Roberts) who helps her fight for custody of her son.
A Ghost Story
Drama, Fantasy, Romance
17:00 - 18:27 Trianon 3In 2013, director David Lowery surprised the audience at LIFF with the beautiful Ain't Them Bodies Saints. This year he is back in Leiden with the equally bizarre as poetic A Ghost Story. A unique experiment in which a ghost, recently passed away, attempts to keep his relationship with his mourning wife alive. Plus, the ghost is portrayed by Casey Affleck covered in a white sheet.
Dave Made A Maze + Q&A
Comedy
18:45 - 20:05 Trianon 2It can happen to the best of us: you come home from a weekend away and your boyfriend, frustrated artist Dave (Thune), tells you that he's stuck in his self-made cardboard maze. It befalls Annie (Kumbhani), who sets aside her disbelief and enters the maze along with some acquaintances for a rescue mission, which comes with serious consequences... You don't want to miss this ingenious, funny and creative film! Followed by a Q&A with actrice Meera Kuhmbani on October 30 and 31.
L'avant-première secrete
18:45 - 20:32 Kijkhuis 2
We have to be vague about this one, but you don't want to miss this nouvelle film about an iconic director!
Battle Of The Sexes
Biographical, Comedy, Drama
19:00 - 21:01 Trianon 1Can Billie Jean King (Stone), the world best female tennis player, beat Bobby Riggs (Carell), former champion and intolerable chauvinist? The makers of Little Miss Sunshine tell the true story in this funny and thrilling comedy.
Wilde Maus
Drama, Comedy
19:00 - 20:40 Kijkhuis 1Georg (Hader) snaps when he loses his job as an opera critic due to cutbacks. His behavior becomes increasingly unusual as he attempts to hide his unemployment from his wife, leading to the comical derailment of his life.
Jawbone incl. Q&A
Drama
19:15 - 20:47 Trianon 3A grim and enthralling drama about abject boxer Jimmy McCabe (Harris). At a late age he tries to make a comeback and better his ways with help of his old trainer Eddie (Smiley) in this thrilling and successful boxing film. Actor and writer Johnny Harris will be attending the festival for a Q&A after the film.
Funked Up at LIFF
20:00 - 02:00 Scheltema
The Leiden International Film Festival (oct 27 – nov 5) will host the 20th (!) edition of Funked Up. All the more reason to welcome back some of our favourite acts, as well as unleash some of our new favourites onto the crowd. Needless to say, we are extremely excited about this line-up!
Wonderstruck
Drama, Mystery
21:15 - 23:10 Kijkhuis 2Todd Haynes (Carol) has crafted an extraordinary fairy tale. Two children drift across a magical New York. Although they live in different decades, they have more in common than they know. Wonderstruck is visually and emotionally enchanting. The stars look very different today.
Band Aid
Comedy, Drama
21:30 - 23:01 Trianon 3Married couple Anna (Lister-Jones, known for her role in New Girl AND an old friend of our very own festival, that she visited to promote her film Breaking Upwards in 2009) and Ben (Pally) fight constantly. Until one day they come up with the brilliant idea to start a band and use their arguments as songwriting inspiration. Band Aid offers an honest, intelligent, and hilarious perspective on modern relationships. Lister-Jones, Pally and the rest of the all-female crew create a moving and comedic portrayal of a couple in denial.
Voor Niemand Wat Wils
21:30 - 23:00 Kijkhuis 1
After a year of absence, crapmeisters Nils and Hans return to LIFF stronger than ever: a shining beacon of fluorescent light among the quality films showed during the rest of the festival.
The Snowman
Crime, Drama, Horror
21:45 - 23:50 Trianon 1Detective Harry Mole (Michael Fassbender) investigates the disappearance of a woman whose scarf was found near an ominous snowman. Once he fears that a serial killer is active again, he must connect old cases to new ones before the next snowfall.
How To Talk To Girls At Parties
Comedy, Sci-Fi
22:30 - 00:12 Trianon 2An alien making a tour along the galaxy accidentally finds herself in the most dangerous place in the universe: Croydon. That's where she meets the hopeless adolescent Enn, who just discovered the Sex Pistols... With Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning.
Saturday 04 November
Thank You For Your Service
Drama, War
11:30 - 13:18 Trianon 2How does one come home from war? 'Thank You For Your Service' follows a group of returned soldiers from Iraq, the difficulties of reintegration in civilization and family life and the influence of post-traumatic stress disorder on themselves and their surroundings.
Wonderstruck
Drama, Mystery
11:45 - 13:40 Trianon 1Todd Haynes (Carol) has crafted an extraordinary fairy tale. Two children drift across a magical New York. Although they live in different decades, they have more in common than they know. Wonderstruck is visually and emotionally enchanting. The stars look very different today.
Pilot Season: The Young Pope & Big Little Lies
11:45 - 13:30 Kijkhuis 1
Two brand new shows for the price of one! In association with HBO we'll bring this exclusive double bill of THE YOUNG POPE and LITTLE BIG LIES to the big screen for one night only! If you've seen LA GRANDE BELLEZZA and YOUTH at LIFF you know: Paolo Sorrentino needs to be on the biggest possible screen. THE YOUNG POPE premered in Cannes and shows the Pope (a brilliant Jude Law) like you've never seen him before! Then we have the pilot episode of the most talked about show of the year: LITTLE BIG LIES. Acting giants Nicole Kidman, Alexander Skarsgaard and Laura Dern all won Emmy's for their roles and the show itself won a whopping eight. You don't want to miss this one.
Iedereen Is Leraar + Q&A
Documentary
11:45 - 12:45 Trianon 3In this documentary, educator of teachers and elemantary school teacher Maarten Stuifbergen investigates the power of the teacher. What is that power? And how can it be best applied to help improve kid's lives? What, in short, is the impact of a teacher?
Oh Lucy!
Comedy, Drama
12:00 - 13:37 Kijkhuis 2Unhappy Setsuko (Terajima) gets persuaded to take English classes with a quite unconventional teacher (Harnett), who changes her literally as wel as figuratively. With a blond wig and the name Lucy, life is starting to look a whole lot brighter.
Eerlijk zullen We Allen Spelen + Q&A
Documentary
13:15 - 14:15 Trianon 3After seven years and hundreds of shows, the Sub071 had to close in 2015. The people in the organization, their passion and openness to new music, inspired documentary filmmaker Minja Sarovic into making a DIY-film about this DIY-venue.
Professor Marston & The Wonder Women
Biographical, Drama
14:00 - 15:48 Trianon 2The unusual story of Harvard professor William Marston, spiritual father of Wonder Woman, in which the polyamorous relationship with his wife and former student is the point of focus. A look into the 1940s in which feminist ideals and a comic book cause controversy.
Un Beau Soleil Intérieur
Drama, Comedy
14:15 - 15:49 Kijkhuis 2It doesn't get much Frencher than this: In the newest film by Claire Denis the neurotic artist Isabelle (Juliette Binoche) is looking for love in the French capital.
Loving Vincent
Biographical
14:15 - 15:35 Trianon 1What better way to portray the legendary Vincent van Gogh than through the very first film to consist entirely of paintings? Come for the greatest hits such as starry night, the wheat field and the postman, stay for the gripping story.
Insyriated + Intro
Drama, War
14:30 - 16:45 Kijkhuis 1A mother tries to give her family a safe haven at home, while a war is happening and snipers are lying outside of her house. This nerve-racking examination of the daily life in Damascus won an audience award at the Berlinale.
Band Aid
Comedy, Drama
14:45 - 16:16 Trianon 3Married couple Anna (Lister-Jones, known for her role in New Girl AND an old friend of our very own festival, that she visited to promote her film Breaking Upwards in 2009) and Ben (Pally) fight constantly. Until one day they come up with the brilliant idea to start a band and use their arguments as songwriting inspiration. Band Aid offers an honest, intelligent, and hilarious perspective on modern relationships. Lister-Jones, Pally and the rest of the all-female crew create a moving and comedic portrayal of a couple in denial.
Operation Mekong
Action, Crime
16:15 - 18:19 Trianon 2When two cargo ships are attacked on the Mekong-river, the Chinese government decides to once and for all make an end to this infamous smuggling route. However, the way to justice is one with many dangerous and deathly obstacles. Based on the true story of the Mekong Massacre. The Reel China programme is made possible by the Confucius Instituut.
The Killing of a Sacred Deer
Mystery, Drama, Horror
16:30 - 18:19 Trianon 1Winner of the prize for best script in Cannes and nominated for a Golden Palm. Heart surgeon Steven (Farrell) and his wife (Kidman) lead a perfect little life, until Steven takes in a teenager and has to make an impossible choice.
Jawbone incl. Q&A
Drama
16:45 - 18:17 Trianon 3A grim and enthralling drama about abject boxer Jimmy McCabe (Harris). At a late age he tries to make a comeback and better his ways with help of his old trainer Eddie (Smiley) in this thrilling and successful boxing film. Actor and writer Johnny Harris will be attending the festival for a Q&A after the film.
Vele Hemels Boven De Zevende + Q&A
Drama
16:45 - 18:44 Kijkhuis 2After the large success of the debut novel by Griet Op de Beeck, a movie adaptation was bound to happen. Five characters are more in battle with themselves than with each other, in a reality which is ridiculously beautiful and unbelievably difficult, all at the same time.
Cinema Brewers Shorts Selection
17:15 - 18:45 Kijkhuis 1
Support the film industry by drinking beer! LIFF is proud to collaborate with Cinema Brewers once again. Cinema Brewers is an Amsterdam-based brewing company that develops special film-themed beers. Last year's special edition-beer was such a big hit that the company decided to launch the Cinema Brewers Film Fund. For every beer sold, five cents were added to the fund, the final proceeds of which we will hand out at this year's festival. Curated from all over the world, this program's special selection of short films is still in the running for that Cinema Brewers Film Fund prize of a whopping €2500.
The Little Hours
Comedy, Romance
18:45 - 20:15 Trianon 2After Joshy, Jeff Baena is back at LIFF with an absurd and amusing film about unruly nuns. A perfect indie-cast including Alison Brie, John C. Reilly, Dave Franco and Aubrey Plaza
Suburbicon
Comedy, Mystery
19:00 - 20:45 Trianon 1When at the proper Lodge family a robbery takes place, the model family turns out to be hiding a big secret and the life in the ideal American fifties suburb completely escalates. Written by the Coen brothers, directed by George Clooney, with Matt Damon and Julianne Moore.
Bad Genius
Crime, Comedy
19:00 - 21:10 Trianon 3A quartet of high school students are better at cheating than anything you've ever done in your life in this epic nail-biter about the standardized tests that level the playing field for all kids, smart and dumb, rich and poor.
Petit Paysan
Drama
19:30 - 21:00 Kijkhuis 2Pierre is a 30-year-old dairy farmer. His life revolves around the family farm he took over, his cows, his veterinarian sister, and his parents. When the first cases of an epidemic disease break out in France, Pierre finds out one of his animals is infected. Losing his cows is not an option for Pierre. He has nothing else and he will do whatever it takes to save them.
Village Rockstars
Drama
19:45 - 21:12 Kijkhuis 1A young girl in the Northeast of India dreams of starting her own rockband. With a perceptive eye, Village Rockstars follows the difficulties of a young girl in the midst of poverty and chauvinism trying to accomplish her dreams.
What Happened To Monday
Sci-Fi
21:00 - 23:03 Trianon 2In order to prevent overpopulation, only one child per family is allowed. Seven sisters pose as one single person to avoid getting caught by the 'Child Allocation Bureau', but then one of them disappears...
American Indie Party
21:00 - 01:00 SGZ
The record stores of Leiden and LIFF come togehter for the most indiest of parties. In association with Velvet and Plato we throw this year's final party in stlye: American Indie Style! St. Paul, who showed everyone his worth at Lowlands festival earlier this year, will now show us how yes, you cán dance to LCD Soundsystem, Pavement and Sonic Youth in his amazing American Indie Disco. And that's not even the end of it! Feast your eyes on the amazing visuals by VJ Switchdochter, who'll blend together iconic indie movie moments into one fantastic mix.
The Square
Drama, Comedy
21:30 - 23:52 Trianon 1Christian is a respected curator at a modern art museum. His newest exhibition is supposed to attract people to altruism, but instead it leads him and the museum into an existential crisis. This satirical drama won the Golden Palm in Cannes.
Breathe
Romance
21:30 - 23:27 Kijkhuis 2The directorial debut of Andy Serkis tells the true story of the adventurous and brilliant Robin (Garfield), who suddenly gets paralyzed by polio. His wife Diana (Foy, known from the Crown) doesn't give up and is determined to take him home and make him better. A gripping and hopeful story about courage, love and progress, and what it means to be free.
The Young Offenders
Comedy
21:45 - 23:10 Kijkhuis 1“There are only two things you need for an adventure,” Irish teenager Jock explains to his best friend Conor: “a treasure map, and someone dumb enough to go with you.” That’s really all you need to know about this hilarious-yet-touching biking adventure, full of tracksuits and golden chains, shot against the backdrop of the stunning Irish landscape and backed up by a soundtrack of punk and – yes – jumpstyle. A LIFF exclusive!
Under The Tree
Comedy, Drama
21:45 - 23:14 Trianon 3A quarrel between neighbors about a tree that causes shade on a sun deck, quickly escalates into violent and tragic confrontations. Each character proves to be a complicated individual in this fusion of family drama and black comedy.
Jailbreak
Action, Adventure
23:30 - 01:02 Trianon 2In the notorious Cambodian prison Koh Kla there are no simple missions. When an escort mission fails, Jean-Paul's (Ly) special unit has to fight their way through escaped prisoners in order to escape the prison alive. Non-stop action guaranteed.
Sunday 05 November
Battle Of The Sexes
Biographical, Comedy, Drama
11:30 - 13:31 Trianon 1Can Billie Jean King (Stone), the world best female tennis player, beat Bobby Riggs (Carell), former champion and intolerable chauvinist? The makers of Little Miss Sunshine tell the true story in this funny and thrilling comedy.
Children Of Men + Intro
Sci-Fi, Action
11:45 - 13:49 Trianon 3Possibly a bit too scary and realistic in our time, this sci-fi thriller by Alfonso Cuarón. In 2027 earth is in chaos and no one is fertile, except for one pregnant woman who needs to be brought into safety.
Pilot Season: Nordic Bingewatching
11:45 - 13:30 Kijkhuis 2
Two brand new TV shows for the price of one! The Scandinavians know how to make a good film - see our Nordic Watching selection for exhibit A. However, it's the TV shows that made our northern neigbhours famous around the world. Nordic Bingewatching will prepare you for many nailbiting hours on the couch, but we'll kick it all of in the movie theatre! These pilot episodes of krimi's HASSEL and ALEX are presented to you by Lumiere. Which detective is best? Which one are you gonna binch next?
Keep The Change
Romance
11:45 - 13:19 Trianon 2Under the guise of a New York romantic comedy, Keep the Change does something quite radical: In a refreshingly honest way it portrays two adults on the autistic spectrum. David desperately wants to be seen as “normal,” but Sarah accepts who she is. Together they navigate the vicissitudes of a burgeoning relationship.
Big Fish & Begonia
Anime, Adventure
12:00 - 13:45 Kijkhuis 1In a world within our world unseen by any humans, creatures with enormous power exist. This is where Chun lives, who transforms in a dolphin when she turns sixteen so that she can explore the human world. There she meets a boy with whom she develops an extraordinary bond. The Reel China programme is made possible by the Confucius Instituut.
Vele Hemels Boven De Zevende + Q&A
Drama
14:00 - 15:59 Trianon 1After the large success of the debut novel by Griet Op de Beeck, a movie adaptation was bound to happen. Five characters are more in battle with themselves than with each other, in a reality which is ridiculously beautiful and unbelievably difficult, all at the same time.
Love and Goodbye and Hawaii
Romance, Comedy
14:15 - 15:48 Trianon 2Rinko en Isamu zijn uit elkaar, maar wonen nog steeds samen. Rinko heeft echter nog steeds gevoelens voor Isamu en blijkt al snel niet de enige te zijn. Deze romcom won op het Osaka Asian Film Festival de Japan Cuts Awards.
Menashe + Q&A
Drama
14:30 - 15:51 Trianon 3The directing debut by Joshua Z Weinstein is almost anthropological, but feels instantly familiar. The movie about a lower-class father trying to raise his son was one of the biggest hits at Sundance this year. Shot exclusively in Brooklyn’s orthodox Hasidic community – with a cast of real-life Hasidim and an almost entirely Yiddish script – the film has a unique, intimate feel that, despite its confined setting, extends far beyond the small neighborhood’s borders. We are also proud to welcome back two-time LIFF-alumnus producer/co-writer Alex Lipschultz to our festival, who will be present during the screenings of 29 and 30 October for a Q&A.
Hostages
Drama
14:30 - 16:14 Kijkhuis 1Georgian SSR,1983. A group of well-to-do young people are enjoying a swim in the Black Sea, but in their minds they're busy trying to escape life outside the Soviet-Union. Hijacking a plane turns out to be much more difficult than the group had predicted. A new moving story by the creative team behind the Oscar winning drama Ida.
Brawl In Cell Block 99
Action, Crime, Thriller
16:15 - 18:27 Trianon 2When Bradley (Vince Vaughn like you've never seen him before) lands in jail after a drug deal gone wrong and an intense firefight with the police, that is only the beginning... His enemies force him into increasingly violent actions, and slowly prison changes into a battle field. Not for the faint-hearted!
Brigsby Bear
Comedy, Drama
16:30 - 18:10 Trianon 3James, 35, is obsessed with the television show Brigsby Bear Adventures, a low-budget tv-show for children produced for an audience consisting of only one person: James. When the show ends abruptly, James' life becomes entirely uncertain. From that moment on he has one clear goal: finish the story of Brigsby Bear himself. Brigsby Bear is a heartfelt, moving film about creativity; a film to love!
Loving Vincent
Biographical
16:45 - 18:05 Trianon 1What better way to portray the legendary Vincent van Gogh than through the very first film to consist entirely of paintings? Come for the greatest hits such as starry night, the wheat field and the postman, stay for the gripping story.
American Indie Shorts
16:45 - 18:15 Kijkhuis 2
A short film can often be the beginning of a successful directing career. LIFF-winners Short Term 12 and Whiplash, for example, began as shorts. In American Indie Shorts, we give unknown filmmakers a stage to showcase their talent infront of an international audience.
God's Own Country
Drama
16:45 - 18:29 Kijkhuis 1Sheep farmer Jonny (O'Connor) fills his life with alcohol and casual sex. When the Romanian immigrant Gheorge (Secareanu) comes to work on the farm, Jonny develops unexpected feelings for him. A beautiful and lasting debut by director Francis Lee.
On Body And Soul
Drama, Romance
18:45 - 20:41 Kijkhuis 2Two introvert colleagues find out by accident that they share the same exact dream every night. The consequence is a modest love story in the bizarre and graphically displayed environment of a slaughterhouse in Budapest. Winner of the Berlin film festival.
The Square
Drama, Comedy
18:45 - 21:07 Trianon 1Christian is a respected curator at a modern art museum. His newest exhibition is supposed to attract people to altruism, but instead it leads him and the museum into an existential crisis. This satirical drama won the Golden Palm in Cannes.
Professor Marston & The Wonder Women
Biographical, Drama
19:00 - 20:48 Trianon 2The unusual story of Harvard professor William Marston, spiritual father of Wonder Woman, in which the polyamorous relationship with his wife and former student is the point of focus. A look into the 1940s in which feminist ideals and a comic book cause controversy.
Who We Are Now
Drama
19:00 - 20:39 Kijkhuis 1The lives of two different women are slowly becoming entangled in this beautiful drama by Matthew Netwon (From Nowhere). A phenomenal portrayal by Julianna Nicholson of an ex-con who is trying to get on the right path and the ambitious lawyer (Roberts) who helps her fight for custody of her son.
Jupiter's Moon
Drama
21:15 - 23:18 Kijkhuis 2Visual masterpiece from the director of White God. Refugee Aryan discovers he can float through the air. Together with disgraced doctor Stern, he takes to the slums of Budapest to conduct "miracles".
Ice Mother
Drama
21:30 - 23:15 Trianon 3All of her life Katerina (Vilhelmová) has been taking care of her spoiled sons. Then she meets the careless Brona, an ice swimmer who lives in an old bus with his chickens. Impressed, she decides to take a dip in the cold water herself.
48 Hour Film Project
21:30 - 22:30 Trianon 2
Two teams of filmmakers accepted the challenge to create a short VR film within 48 hours, based on the themes discussed at Brave New World, conference on how future technology will impact human life. The two films will be screened in presence of the filmmakers at the Leiden International Film Festival.
Our Time Will Come
Drama, War
21:30 - 23:40 Kijkhuis 1This war film by award winning director Ann Hui tells the story of the legendary 'Fang Gu', one of the key figures during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kon in the 1940s. An image of the battle for freedom and independence. The Reel China programme is made possible by the Confucius Instituut.
Slotfilm: Last Flag Flying
Drama, Comedy
21:45 - 23:49 Trianon 1In the tragicomedy Last Flag Flying by Richard Linklater (Boyhood) three Vietnam veterans (Steve Carrell, Bryan Cranston and Laurence Fihburn) are going on a last mission in 2003: burying one of their sons, who died in the Iraq war. Linklater possesses the ability to blend humor, emotion and social criticism like no other.