ROOTS Film Festival
SUBMISSIONS OPEN NOW
On December 11 & 12, the ninth edition of ROOTS Film Festival returns to The Hague!
A celebration of local talent, ROOTS shines a spotlight on filmmakers from across South Holland, bringing together emerging and established voices to share their work, connect with one another, and engage directly with audiences. Now in its ninth edition, ROOTS returns on 11 and 12 December 2026, offering a unique opportunity to discover the stories, perspectives, and creative energy flourishing across the region.
Created by Filmhuis Den Haag, ROOTS provides local filmmakers with a platform and a big screen while strengthening connections between makers, audiences, and the wider film community. By creating space for collaboration, exchange, and new encounters, the festival helps nurture a vibrant and supportive film culture throughout South Holland.
The festival is proudly supported by the Municipality of The Hague.
Do you have a story to share? Submit your film for ROOTS 2026 and become part of a festival that celebrates local talent, new voices, and the creative energy of the region. Submissions close September 6, 2026.
SUBMISSION CRITERIA
To be eligible, you and your film must meet the following criteria:
>> Completed between September 2025 and the present;
>> Maximum runtime 30 minutes;
>> Not previously screened at Filmhuis Den Haag;
>> You are based in the Zuid-Holland region.
>> You (or a representative from your crew) are able to be present during both days of the festival.
>> All films must be delivered with English subtitles, no matter the spoken language.
PRIZES AND AWARDS
Every selected film will receive a screening fee of €125. In addition, all selected films will compete for three jury awards of €1,000 each, presented by an industry jury. A fourth award will be presented by our long-standing ROOTS partner QISSA, with the winner receiving the QISSA Coaching Award worth €1,000. Finally, audiences will once again have the opportunity to vote for their favourite film, with the winner receiving the prestigious Audience Award and €1,000 to support their future projects.
