Stories of Belonging: masterclass voor filmmakers
A special programme marking World Refugee Day
Every year on World Refugee Day (20 June), people around the world pause to reflect on those who have been forced to flee. In this context, IFFR is organising a special programme on Wednesday 17 June, in collaboration with the Buddy Film Foundation and Fenix, and made possible in part by UNIQLO.
The programme consists of two events: a workshop for filmmakers with a refugee background at Fenix, organised by the Buddy Film Foundation, and, for the public, a screening at LantarenVenster of the Displacement Film Fund short films, which had their world premiere earlier this year during IFFR 2026.
Masterclass Stories of Belonging
The workshop is led by an experienced filmmaker with a refugee background. During the workshop, participants work on their voice as filmmakers. There will be conversation around storytelling, identity and migration, and an exploration of how personal experiences can be translated into film. There is also space for artistic exchange, feedback and meeting other filmmakers.
Who is it for?
The free masterclass is intended for professional filmmakers and screenwriters with a refugee background who want to further develop their voice and build their career in the Netherlands.
This masterclass forms part of the kick-off of Buddy Career Boost: a film programme by Buddy Film Foundation for newcomers with experience in film and television.
Programme
Before 4.00 p.m.: museum visit
4.00 – 6.00 p.m.: masterclass at Fenix
6.00 – 7.00 p.m.: shared dinner
7.30 – 10.15 p.m.: screening of the Displacement Film Fund Shorts at LantarenVenster
Sign up
You do not need to be registered for Buddy Career Boost to take part in this programme. So if you are a professional screenwriter or filmmaker with a refugee background and are interested in joining the workshop, send in your registration via this link; IFFR will then contact you as soon as possible about your participation. Registration is open until 8 June inclusive.
Please note: only a limited number of places are available, so early registration is advised.
Still from Sense of Water (2026)
Film screenings at LantarenVenster
The masterclass is followed by a screening at LantarenVenster of five short films from the Displacement Film Fund. With Allies in Exile, Rotation, Sense of Water, Super Afghan Gym and Whispers of a Burning Scent, the programme presents different stories about waiting, loss, language, exile and the search for something to hold on to. Together, the films show how people live with displacement, memory and life in a new place.
A separate ticket is required for the film screening at LantarenVenster. This ticket can be booked via the IFFR website.
Over de organisatie
International Film Festival Rotterdam is an annual film festival in Rotterdam. In addition, IFFR organises film programmes, talks and activities throughout the year for makers, audiences and film professionals.
Buddy Film Foundation supports newcomers in the Netherlands with a background in film and television. With Buddy Career Boost, the organisation offers workshops, training, language lessons and networking events.