Leiden International Film Festival
Leiden International Film Festival at Filmhuis Den Haag
From 8 to 18 October 2026, the Leiden International Film Festival (LIFF) returns for its 21st edition. Over 11 days, the festival brings more than 100 films from around the world to cinemas across Leiden, from independent gems and exciting debuts to bold, extraordinary films.
Founded in 2006, LIFF has grown into one of the Netherlands’ leading film festivals. Every year, the festival presents a diverse selection of films that stand out: films that have premiered at major international festivals, exciting new discoveries, and crowd-pleasing titles that deserve to be seen on the big screen.
This year, a selection of the LIFF programme will also be screened at Filmhuis Den Haag. From 8 to 18 October, you can discover a selection of films from the festival right here in The Hague.
IN THIS PROGRAM
Hold Onto Me (Myrsini Aristidou, 2026)
October 15th | 16:00 | Zaal 4
When the willful Iris learns that her estranged father Aris has returned to the Cypriot island she lives on, she is desperate to get to know him. But is Aris, back for his own father’s funeral, interested in that too?
Downbeat (Danny Madden, 2026)
October 15th | 18:45 | Zaal 4
Drummer Mauro is out of luck, broke and sleeping on his sister’s couch. Frustrated, he starts drumming on the streets, finding an unexpected sense of freedom.
Animol (Ashley Walters, 2026)
October 15th | 21:00 | Zaal 4
Inside the walls of a brutal British juvenile detention center, Troy struggles to navigate its dark world of violence and power dynamics. Surprisingly, he finds an unspoken bond with his cellmate, but that might make surviving in this dangerous environment even harder.
The Accompanist (Zach Woods, 2026)
October 16th | 16:00 | Zaal 4
The Accompanist follows 8-year-old Emily, who tells her school nurse that an accident caused her grandfather with dementia nearly killed her.
See You When I See You (Jay Duplass, 2026)
October 16th | 18:30 | Zaal 4
Together with his dysfunctional family, Aaron Whistler has to come to terms with his sister’s suicide, when they are clearing out her appartement.
Congo Boy (Rafiki Fariala, 2026)
October 17th | 16:00 | Zaal 4
17-year-old Robert is a refugee in the Central African Republic, who cares for his siblings after his parents are imprisoned. Balancing school, odd jobs, violence, and displacement, he pursues his dream of becoming a musician through a life-changing music competition.
California Schemin' (James McAvoy, 2026)
October 17th | 18:45 | Zaal 4
The film tells the true story of a Scottish rap duo pretending to be American in order to get taken serious in the London music scene.
Low Expectations (Eivind Landsvik, 2026)
October 17th | 21:00 | Zaal 4
After a breakdown, Maja abandons her successful music career and returns to her hometown. During her dull job at a highschool, she asks herself: how to continue living once you’ve already peaked?
Mouse (Alex Thompson & Kelly O'Sullivan, 2026)
October 18th | 16:00 | Zaal 4
When her friend Callie suddenly disappears from her life, Minnie must find her own identity, seeking comfort and support in Callie’s mom.
Chicas Tristes (Fernanda Tovar, 2026)
October 18th | 18:45 | Zaal 4
After a house party, La Maestra notices her best friend Paula isn't acting like herself. When the truth about what happened to Paula is revealed, a dilemma puts their inseparable bond to the test: stay silent or get revenge.