Marten Rabarts Appointed Head of IFFR Pro

New Head of IFFR Pro

International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) has named Marten Rabarts as the new head of its industry strand IFFR Pro, effective immediately. Rabarts replaces Inke Van Loocke, who announced her departure from the festival in August.

About Marten Rabarts

Rabarts has a strong track record in developing and implementing industry programs, as well as elevating Dutch film culture on the global stage. He was previously festival director of the New Zealand International Film Festival from 2019-21, and more recently worked as a script mentor on the inaugural edition of Jane Campion’s A Wave In The Ocean Lab.

Rabarts also has strong connections to the Dutch industry, having served as a former head of Dutch film promotion organization EYE International, now SeeNL, and as artistic director of the development centre Binger Filmlab in Amsterdam for 12 years. He has also worked as head of development and training at the NFDC – the National Film Development Corporation – in India.

IFFR Pro

IFFR Pro hosts a range of industry activities, including the CineMart co-production market, Pro Hub, and talent development programs such as the producer training workshop Rotterdam Lab and BoostNL.

In 2025, IFFR will mark the 25th anniversary of Rotterdam Lab and will devote an industry day to the Dutch film ecosystem. The Darkroom, IFFR Pro’s programme of work-in-progress screenings, will also take place during CineMart.

About IFFR

The 54th edition of IFFR takes place January 30-February 9, with the IFFR Pro running between January 31-February 5 2025. Rabarts will work closely with IFFR’s festival director Vanja Kaludjercic and report into chief of content, Melissa van der Schoor.

Conclusion

Rabarts’ appointment is expected to bring new energy and expertise to IFFR Pro, and will help to further establish the festival as a key hub for the international film industry.

FAQs

What is IFFR Pro?

IFFR Pro is the industry strand of the International Film Festival Rotterdam, and hosts a range of activities including the CineMart co-production market, Pro Hub, and talent development programs.

Who is Marten Rabarts?

Marten Rabarts is the new head of IFFR Pro, and has a strong track record in developing and implementing industry programs, as well as elevating Dutch film culture on the global stage.

What are the key highlights of IFFR 2025?

The key highlights of IFFR 2025 include the 25th anniversary of Rotterdam Lab, an industry day focused on the Dutch film ecosystem, and the Darkroom programme of work-in-progress screenings.