Three NRW-Funded Productions at IFFR 2026 – Film- und Medienstiftung NRW Once Again a Partner of CineMart and Rotterdam Lab
The 55th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) will take place from January 29 to February 8, 2026. The festival is one of Europe’s most important platforms for innovative, independent cinema and international co-productions, presenting approximately 400 films from over 90 countries each year. The Film and Media Foundation NRW will be represented in the official festival program in 2026 with three funded productions and will also continue its long-standing partnership with CineMart and the Rotterdam Lab.
Three NRW-Funded Films in the Festival Program
No fewer than three films funded by the Film and Media Foundation NRW will be featured in key sections of the IFFR 2026 program:
World premiere: “2 m²” will be screened in the Big Screen Competition. Director: Volkan Üce Production: 2Pilots Filmproductions Co-production: Filmfaust, Menuetto Film, Gataki Films, Mitra Films World sales: CAT&Docs Funding from the Film and Media Foundation NRW: €155,000
Two additional NRW-funded productions are screeningin the Limelightsection :
“Silent Friend” Director: Ildikó Enyedi Production: Pandora Film Co-productions: Galatée Films (FR), Inforg-M&M Film (HU) Distribution: Pandora Medien World Sales: Films Boutique Funding from the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW: €1,050,000
“Gavagai” Director & Screenplay: Ulrich Köhler Production: Sutor Kolonko e.K. (DE), Good Fortune Films (FR) Distribution: Port au Prince Pictures Funding from the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW: €510,000
Long-standing partnership with CineMart and Rotterdam Lab
In addition to its strong presence in the festival program , the Film- und Medienstiftung NRWwill once againbe a partner of CineMart in 2026, one of the world’s most important platforms for international co-productions. Furthermore, it continues to support the Rotterdam Lab, which is specifically aimed at young producers and creators.
The Rotterdam Lab offers emerging talents the opportunity to establish international contacts, further develop their projects, and gain experience in the international co-production environment. This makes it a central component of the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW’s international support for emerging artists and talent.
In 2026, the Rotterdam Lab will markits 26th edition. Representing the Film- und Medienstiftung NRW this year are:
Creator Track
- Semih Korhan Güner
Producer Track
- Vera Paulmann (Dekorfilm)
For more information about the festival, visit the International Film Festival Rotterdam website: Home - IFFR EN