PLAYGROUNDS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

At Eindhoven’s inspiring Natlab Film Theater, the art of filmmaking takes center stage!

Enjoy a blend of independent (and Oscar-nominated) shorts, Hollywood blockbusters, and bold new voices. Enhance your skills in our masterclasses and dive into emerging talent at our Student Film Competition and Animation Pitch. And with a film course, a dedicated children’s program and an expo there’s something for every film lover.

Throughout the week, the visionary artists behind the big screen will give exclusive introductions and talks before screenings, sharing firsthand insights into their films. Plus, on Film Industry Day, you can connect with fellow artists and industry professionals.

So mark your calendars and join us in celebrating the art of filmmaking!

Date
17 March 2025 - 23 March 2025 (Event has ended)
Location(s)
Time
11:00 - 23:00
Entrance fee
OPENING NIGHT
with Aaron Blaise, Studio Birthplace, Next and Nawa Sira van Sluijs
artist talk, short film program
ARCANE
watch season 2 episode 1 & 2 on the big screen
film screening
THE ART OF THE 20 MIN PITCH
master the 20-minute pitch with Chris Mack (Netflix)
artist talk
I’M NOT A ROBOT
oscar shorts
short film program
MICKEY 17 (2025)
d. Bong Joon Ho
film screening
FILM COURSE: DESIGNING WORLDS
explore the core of production design
masterclass
STOP MOTION MAGIC
Aardman classics with Niels Hoebers
short film program, children's program
WORKSHOP: FLIPBOOK ANIMATION
with Aaron Blaise
workshop, children's program
SNOW BEAR
opening night
film screening, film fest
WORKSHOP: HOW TO MAKE A FILM WITH PAPER
with Vera van Wolferen
workshop, children's program
WANDER TO WONDER
oscar shorts
short film program
BEAUTIFUL MEN
oscar shorts
short film program
STOP MOTION CLASSICS
Aardman classics with Dan Ojari
short film program
FABULA (2025)
d. Michiel ten Horn
film screening
STUDENT FILM COMPETITION
official selection of student films
short film program
IK ZAL ZIEN (2025)
d. Mercedes Stalenhoef
film screening
THE JUNGLE BOOK (2016)
d. Jon Favreau
film screening
THE ART OF HAIR AND MAKE UP DESIGN
elevating storytelling with expert makeup & hair design
artist talk
GIVING A NEW VOICE TO ARCHIVAL MATERIAL
reclaiming history, redefining identity
artist talk
V FOR VENDETTA (2005)
d. James McTeigue
film screening
BEHIND THE SCENES OF AMSTERDAMNED 2
from photographer to film producer
artist talk
STORIES IGNITING ACTION
reclaiming storytelling for a healthy world
artist talk
MAKING MAGIC ON A BUDGET
learn how to create amazing films on a budget
artist talk
THROUGH THE LENS
pick the brains of experienced cinematographers
panel, Q&A
ANIMATION PITCH
keep an eye on future projects
pitch
REAL STORIES
hybrid documentaries
short film program
NEXT GEM
showcase of bright talent
short film program
SAUCY SELECTION
enjoy a saucy selection of short films by female and queer directors
short film program
MEETUP FOR INTERMEDIARIES AND EDUCATORS
get a taste of what Playgrounds International Film Festival is about
Q&A, education
EXPLORE OUR VENUE: NATLAB
practical info about the location
venue
FILMHELPDESK SPEED DATES
custom advice for your particular filmmaking challenge
Q&A
CINEMINI X PIFF
special program for the youngest cinephiles
short film program, children's program
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
connect young generations to the art of filmmaking
short film program, education
GREENER FILM MAKING
create with an eye on the future
panel, Q&A

Set up in the inspiring Natlab, Film Theater of Eindhoven, with a wide selection of films and a diverse program meant to satisfy all tastes and backgrounds, at Playgrounds International Film Festival we let the art of filmmaking take center stage and shine into the spotlight! Our film selection will showcases exquisite examples of art direction, production design, decor, VFX and everything in between. All the processes that help the audience fully immerse in the stories projected on the silver screen, turning them into unforgettable experiences.

During this festival, the viewers get the opportunity to dive into the artistry of their favorite masterpieces and understand how the magic happens while enjoying a perfect blend of independent short films, fresh new talent and Hollywood blockbusters 

 

The short film program will bring together an eclectic mix of erotic shorts by female and queer filmmakers, hybrid documentaries and many more. For those on the lookout for emerging talents, our Student Film Competition will surely provide insights into all exciting things to expect from the future of cinema. Students can send in their films and win an Award. For the animation professionals theres’s a chance to join the Animation Pitch and win a production incentive.  

So whether youre a filmmaker yourself, a student building on your dreams, a family wanting to enjoy a good movie together, or a fan of films in general, this festival is bound to feed your love for the art of cinema! Make sure to save the dates 17-23 March and watch our website and socials for new info!