Opening film: Splitsville
Dutch Premiere
On October 9, the twentieth edition of the Leiden International Film Festival will start with the Dutch premiere of Splitsville (dir. Michael Angelo Covino) at the Stadsgehoorzaal in Leiden.
Four friends, two couples, one pending divorce and a myriad of new, exciting possibilities. A delightful comedy about our modern views on friendships and (open) relationships from the makers of LIFF hit The Climb, featuring Dakota Johnson and Adria Arjona.
If I Had Legs I'd Kick You
Dutch Premiere
An A24 film starring Rose Byrne like you’ve never seen her before: an unraveling psychotherapist dealing with a sick child, an absent husband and a large hole in the ceiling of her master bedroom. Featuring A$AP Rocky and Conan O’Brien in incredible supporting parts.
Julian
Dutch Premiere
Head over heels for each other, Fleur and Julian embark on a bold mission: to marry in all 22 countries where women can marry each other. After just a few ceremonies, their world-spanning journey comes to an abrupt and tragic halt. Cato Kusters’ directorial debut, fresh from its TIFF world premiere.
Nouvelle Vague
Dutch Premiere
An ode to French New Wave pioneer Jean-Luc Godard by Richard Linklater (Boyhood, the Before trilogy): the story of the making of Godard’s masterpiece Breathless (1960), completely in the distinctive style of Breathless. A delightful must-see for every cinephile.
Sentimental Value
Dutch Premiere
After the resounding success of The Worst Person in the World, Joachim Trier and Renate Reinsve are back! This time around, they are accompanied by Stellan Skarsgård and Elle Fanning in a beautiful tale of fathers, daughters, and the film industry.
The Chronology of Water
Dutch Premiere
Based on a memoir of the same name, this film tells the story of a woman trying to escape her violent environment, eventually finding refuge in literature. A strong and intriguing directorial debut from Kristen Stewart.
The Mastermind
Dutch Premiere
And now for something unexpected: a heist film by Kelly Reichardt (First Cow, Certain Women)! Don’t expect any Ocean’s Eleven-like high jinks; just sit back and enjoy the incredible Josh O’Connor as an (amateur) art thief in the quiet Massachusetts in the 1970s.
The Smashing Machine
Dutch Premiere
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson smashes all expectations in the tailor-made-for-him role of MMA legend Mark ‘The Smashing Machine’ Kerr in this biopic on his many ups and downs in and out of the ring. Written and directed by Benny Safdie.
The Swan Song of Fedor Ozerov
Dutch Premiere
While the rest of the world is on the brink of World War III, musician Fedor Ozerov is looking for a sweater that, according to him, has magical powers. A remarkable debut feature containing a hint of the Orpheus myth.
Twinless
Dutch Premiere
Roman and Dennis, two guys who are complete opposites, have both lost their twin. They meet at a support group for twinless twins and form a true ‘bromance’ in this Sundance hit, which goes further and deeper than you might expect.
Urchin
Dutch Premiere
Harris Dickinson’s directorial debut! Mike, an unhoused man in London, attempts to break away from his cycle of self-destruction and get his life back on track. A raw and compelling character study with an outstanding lead performance by Frank Dillane.