Every year, beautiful and impactful nature films are made all over the world that do not reach the regular cinemas in the Netherlands. That is why we started the initiative to give these films a stage in the Netherlands and to give the makers the appreciation they deserve.

The first edition took place in 2015 in film theater Cinerama for 2,100 visitors. This number grew annually with a record 12,500 visitors in 2019. The 2020 and 2021 editions were overshadowed by Corona. This year, WFFR will take place from 31 October – 5 November.

Since its first edition, the festival has taken place at Cinerama Film Theater, Rotterdam’s oldest cinema right in the center of the city. This location, consisting of 7 screening rooms, is part of a monumental complex on Westblaak.

In 2020, in addition to a physical festival, WFFR started an online festival that takes place simultaneously to the physical festival. In 2023 the online festival will take place from 1 November – 21 November.

In 2020, WFFR also organized an On Tour program where the best films of previous edition were shown in cinemas throughout the Netherlands. Due to Corona, we unfortunately had to end this program in 2021.

That WFFR is a distinctive festival is also reflected in the way we present ourselves. With an annually changing house style we are unique and recognizable. The complete house style was conceived and designed by graphic agency De Ronners in Rotterdam.

Besides screening films, WFFR also has a programme for primary and secondary school students. WFFR annually welcomes over 2,000 students during the festival on weekdays. After the festival, this programme for all students throughout the Netherlands is also offered online.

Every year WFFR receives many national and international filmmakers. They are present at the screening of their film and to give a Q&A or post-film discussion after the film.

Besides being a film festival for the public, WFFR is also a meeting place in the Netherlands for the wildlife film industry.  WFFR organizes a program full of workshops and lectures for people from the wildlife film industry. Awards are also presented to filmmakers in recognition of their work. This year there are prizes to be awarded in 11 categories. These awards will be festively presented by the jury during the Flamingo Award Ceremony.

After reading all this, can’t wait and already want to see a film? WFFR also offers free movies. On WFFR’s YouTube channel you will find a selection of films from previous editions that you can watch online for free. Have fun and see you at WFFR!