An event that brings together stunning and impactful films about nature from around the globe, the Wildlife Film Festival Rotterdam (WFFR) showcases films both in-person at the cinema and online. The festival aims to raise awareness about our collective responsibility for conserving nature​.

Starting from October 31, 2023, you can enjoy a week of the most beautiful nature films in the heart of Rotterdam. The 9th edition of the Wildlife Film Festival Rotterdam (WFFR) kicks off with the premiere of 'Onze Natuur - Het Wilde België.' There's also a special photo exhibition, and the blockbuster 'The New Wilderness' celebrates its tenth anniversary at the festival with the entire crew. WFFR takes place in Rotterdam from 31 October to 5 November 2023.

About the Wildlife Film Festival Rotterdam

Established in 2015, the festival is gearing up for its 9th edition this year. Over the years, the WFFR has come to be known for screening some of the best and most recent films about nature from both within the Netherlands and beyond. The films that make it to the big screen at the WFFR are selected for their beauty and the powerful messages they convey about the natural world​.

What to expect at the festival

Attendees of the festival can expect a selection of beautiful and thought-provoking films about nature. These films are chosen with the aim of highlighting the importance of conservation and the role that each individual can play in preserving the natural world. The festival offers a unique opportunity for attendees to embark on a journey of discovery and experience the beauty of nature as seen through the eyes of talented filmmakers​.

Festival location

The event will take place at the Cinerama Filmtheater located on Westblaak 18, 3012 KL Rotterdam. The theatre is situated in the heart of Rotterdam and is easily accessible by public transportation. The general area is bustling with a variety of restaurants, cafés, and shops, providing plenty of options for attendees to explore before or after the festival.

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Audiovisual spectacle

De Grote Schijn 📷 Andreas Terlaak

Belgian songstress Isolde Lasoen as the soundtrack

A director's perspective

Information about De Grote Schiijn

De Grote Schijn 📷 Andreas Terlaak

Directions to the event

Kralingse Bos is a well-known and easily accessible location in Rotterdam. Public transport and ample parking are available, making the event easily reachable for everyone. The area is picturesque, known for its tranquil surroundings and greenery.

A long, long time ago the Netherlands colonized many countries and was a major player in the slave trade. Since 1993, every year, the abolition of slavery by the Netherlands is observed and celebrated on July 1st.

Keti Koti Festival Rotterdam 2023

In 2023, Keti Koti celebrations mark 150 years since the abolishment of slavery by the Netherlands. The festivities kick off with the Bigi Spikri march, which departs from Mathenesserplein at 11:00 and ends at Wijkpark Oude Westen. The actual festival starts at 12:00 when the Bigi Spikri procession arrives at the park and ends at 22:00. There will be live music, entertainment, spoken word, speeches and lots of food. Entrance is 100% free. For more information on the events and activities, check out ketikotirotterdam.nl.

Additionally, this year, from 13:00 to 23:00, there's also a Black Vibes Stage at Schouwburgplein, where you can enjoy live performances.

What is Keti Koti?

Keti Koti literally means 'Breaking the Chains' in Surinamese. Slavery was a fact of life in the former Dutch colonies. The practice was widespread, from Brazil, Suriname, Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba in the Caribbean all the way to Indonesia.

The Netherlands officially abolished slavery in the Caribbean on July 1st, 1863. A move that saw approximately 55,000 slaves in Suriname and the former Dutch Antilles gain their freedom. That same year, slavery was also abolished in the Dutch colony of Indonesia. Currently, close to 100,000 of Rotterdam's citizens are descendants of former slaves.

On (June 30th and) July 1st, memorial services and celebrations are held either officially or unofficially across the Netherlands.

Keti Koti Rotterdam - celebrating the end of Dutch slavery

What is the Bigi Spikri march?

On July 1st, 1863, the former slaves of Suriname, having gained their freedom, marched to the centre of the country's capital city of Paramaribo. They were all wearing new clothes and shoes that day. So, upon their arrival in the city, they made use of the shop windows as a means to admire their own reflections. The shop windows served as big mirrors (Bigi Spikri).

This was the very first time that the freed slaves had the opportunity to truly enjoy themselves in freedom. In a parade, together they marched to the churches and meeting places of Paramaribo. The Bigi Spikri parade in Rotterdam aims to relive the proud moment of newfound freedom and the march of that day in 1863. Expect to see proud people in traditional dress.

Location: Wijkpark Oude Westen

The Metropolis Festival (Het Metropolis Festival), a unique one-day event, offers a platform for emerging bands and performers, attracting an average of around 30,000 visitors annually on the first Sunday of July. The festival is held in the Zuiderpark, located on the south bank of the Nieuwe Maas river in Rotterdam​.

About Metropolis Festival

The Metropolis Festival is known for its forward-thinking programming, showcasing acts that have subsequently gained widespread recognition. Both local and international talents have graced its stages, solidifying the festival's reputation as a must-visit destination for original pop music enthusiasts​.

The festival not only showcases talented acts, but also scouts and supports them from the grassroots level. It also collaborates with various educational institutions, suggesting a broadening of focus towards other disciplines in the future​.

At the festival grounds, visitors can indulge in a variety of food and drink options, with transactions being carried out using tokens. The festival has a strict policy against bringing glass or cans into the festival grounds for safety and environmental reasons​.

Pets are not explicitly forbidden at the festival, but attendees are strongly advised to leave their pets at home or in someone else's care to avoid causing discomfort to other visitors​.

Metropolis Festival 2014

The best bands you've never heard of

Twenty One Pilots @ Metropolis Festival 2014

Metropolis Festival line-up 2023

For the 2023 edition, new acts from both Ghana and Rotterdam have been announced. These include Florence Adooni, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley & His Sekondi Band, Brintex Collective, Library Card, and Ruwhel & De Bigi Blues Band​.

Another feature of the festival is the market hosted by Swan Market, where festival-goers can shop for various items including jewellery, clothes, vinyl, sunglasses, and phone accessories​.

The festival also features three stages, namely Metroville, New Garden, and Future Stage, where acts like Deijuvhs, Kymara, MIKE, Militarie Gun, Nusantara Beat, and PUP will perform​.

You can find the official festival line-up on the Metropolis website.

What Metropolis Festival sounds like

Location: Zuiderpark

Parking at Metropolis Festival Rotterdam

There are parking options available nearby at Ahoy (P2), which costs €15 for the entire day, and at the parking garages of Zuidplein. In the past, the parking lot was open from 12:00 in the afternoon, and you were able to drive out at any time.

You can also make use of the parking garages in Zuidplein. Note: space is limited. Luckily, Rotterdam has Park and Ride facilities (parking in combination with public transport) at 15 metro stations, such as P+R Alexander, P+R Slinge and P+R Kralingse Zoom.