Along the Way by Mijke de Jong

51st International Film Festival Rotterdam

26 January – 6 February 2022

Rotterdam, 15 December 2021

Along the Way to open festival programme of screenings, performances and installations in Rotterdam from 26 January to 6 February

International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) is delighted to confirm Along the Way by Mijke de Jong to open the on-site 51st edition on 26 January. Adapting to the latest governmental regulations, the festival invites audiences, press and industry guests to attend film screenings, performances and installations in Rotterdam from 26 January to 6 February.

Festival director Vanja Kaludjercic: “Mijke de Jong is a familiar face with a long and rich history at IFFR, first showing here in 1990. It’s an honour to welcome her back with this latest poignant and timely film which will open our 51st edition. Thanks to the commitment of our team and support of our partners we have adapted the festival once again to fit the restrictions in place in the Netherlands. We are happy to confirm the festival will take place physically, allowing us to give the stage to all the outstanding filmmakers who have trusted us to screen their work.”

Award-winning Dutch director Mijke de Jong returns to Rotterdam, presenting the world premiere of her latest and twelfth feature film, Along the Way, to open IFFR 2022. This moving yet unsentimental feature is based on the story of daring, young Afghan twins Nahid and Malihe – who the filmmaker met during her volunteer work at Moria refugee camp, on the Greek island of Lesbos.

Press are invited to experience the festival on-site. Registration for press accreditation can be submitted until 10 January. Next to attending screenings, performances and installations, press can make use of the Press Desk services – including interview requests and P&I screenings. More information on the adapted festival format and the festival’s Covid-19 policy can be found IFFR.com.

Industry guests are welcome to attend IFFR 2022. While CineMart and Rotterdam Lab will take place online, IFFR Pro will still provide services for industry and press guests attending the festival in Rotterdam. The Pro Hub will continue to connect and support filmmakers with titles in the selection through personal mentor meetings, panels and round tables.

The IFFR 2022 programme includes a lineup of avant-premieres in Limelight, a broad range of contemporary cinema in Harbour and the selection dedicated to young and emerging film talent Bright Future. The Art Directions programme presents an IFFR-commissioned installation by Steve McQueen, two performances and an exhibition on Qiu Jiongjiong’s latest feature film. Three focus programmes will show the works of Amanda Kramer, Qiu Jiongjiong and Yuasa Masaaki. Cinema Regained offers restored classics and explorations of cinema’s heritage, while the Short & Mid-length Film selection presents a showcase of films under 63 minutes.

The full IFFR 2022 programme – including the Tiger Competition, Big Screen Competition and Ammodo Tiger Short Competition selections – will be announced during our press conference on Friday 7 January. Ticket sales will start on 21 January 2022.

The festival continues to place paramount importance on the health and safety of all visitors and aligns with the guidance of the Netherlands’ Institute for Public Health and Environment (the RIVM) – which currently require social distancing and an evening closure of cinemas and hospitality. IFFR 2022 will accommodate the requirements set by the RIVM that apply to the duration of the festival.

Click here to access the film stills