The Hague, known for its international courts and diplomatic atmosphere, also nurtures a distinctive film culture. Unlike the sprawling competitive festivals of nearby cities, the film scene here centres on two very different events: an online submission platform that connects filmmakers to awards, and a human-rights festival that fills cinemas with documentaries and debates. Knowing which one matches your interest matters before you book travel.
This guide clarifies what actually happens in The Hague, what does not, and how to verify current editions. You will find practical choices for both filmmakers seeking exposure and audiences looking for meaningful screenings. Because festival dates shift year to year, we explain where to check official announcements rather than guessing.
Overview: Film Festivals in The Hague
The Hague’s film calendar is more specialised than you might expect. The two core events are The Hague Film Festival, which operates as an international submission platform, and Movies that Matter, a public human-rights film festival held in the city. A third name, the ARFF International Film Festival, sometimes appears in searches, but it is not based in The Hague and is best considered separately.
If your goal is to watch films in a theatre with fellow audience members, Movies that Matter is your event. If you want to submit a film for awards and industry visibility, The Hague Film Festival provides that route. This distinction shapes every travel decision, from timing to venue choice.
The Hague Film Festival: An International Submission Platform
The Hague Film Festival (THFF) is not a classic festival with public screenings in the city. Instead, it functions as an international film submission platform where filmmakers submit their work for awards and feedback. According to its official website, THFF has received 1,700 films, given 65 awards, and supported 1,300 filmmakers, with submissions typically closing in October.
For filmmakers, THFF offers a way to gain recognition and reach an international jury. Its office is located at Wilhelmina van Pruisenweg 55 in The Hague, but the selection process does not require you to travel. Deadlines for the annual edition are announced on the official site, so check there for the current cycle rather than relying on historical patterns.
Movies that Matter: Human Rights Films with Q&As and Debates
Movies that Matter is The Hague’s most significant public film event. The organisation states that it 'broadens views on human rights by showing feature films and documentaries combined with Q&As, debates and talk shows.' This format makes it stand out among film festivals in the Netherlands, as it prioritises dialogue over mere entertainment.
The festival has been held annually in The Hague, often in March. For example, the 2026 edition ran from 20–28 March, and the 2027 edition is scheduled for 19–27 March. However, dates are not guaranteed until the organiser confirms them, so always consult the official agenda for the current year.
Screenings take place at several cinemas in the city, and the programme includes both feature films and documentaries. Following each screening, you can usually join a Q&A with the filmmaker or a debate on the human-rights theme. These discussions are central to the experience, so plan to linger after the film rather than rushing out.
How to Choose Between The Hague’s Festivals
Your choice depends on your role and taste. If you are a filmmaker looking to get your work seen by an international jury, The Hague Film Festival is the relevant platform. If you prefer watching films in a theatre, Movies that Matter is your destination. This distinction is critical because it prevents confusion when planning a trip.
Movies that Matter appeals to fans of documentary and social-issue films, with a programme that leans toward thought-provoking stories. The Hague Film Festival, in contrast, is not a public screening event, so attending it in person is not possible. For audiences, the question is whether you want passive viewing or active engagement with filmmakers and experts.
Planning Your Trip: Timing, Venues, and Beyond
If you decide to visit for Movies that Matter, spring is the typical season, with the festival historically taking place in March. This timing coincides with the city’s cultural calendar, but you should verify the exact dates annually. Venues include central cinemas, making it easy to combine screenings with other The Hague sights.
For a fuller cultural trip, you can pair a film visit with events at the Peace Palace or with royal celebrations such as Prinsjesdag, which often occur in September. These are separate attractions, so check their schedules independently to avoid clashes.
To keep planning efficient, review the range of festivals in the Netherlands for context, then focus on your chosen event. The Hague’s compact centre means you can walk between many venues, and public transport links from Holland Spoor station make it easy to reach from other cities.
How to Get Tickets and Stay Updated
Ticket sales for Movies that Matter are handled by the festival and its partner cinemas. Since prices and availability change each year, the reliable approach is to visit the official Movies that Matter website and follow the links in its agenda. The organisation also maintains a newsletter for announcements of programmes and ticket releases.
For The Hague Film Festival, there are no public tickets because it is a submission-based event. Filmmakers should monitor the site’s 'submit' page and deadlines. Both organisations publish their calls for films and award results, so you can verify updates directly rather than relying on third-party summaries.
Plan Your Visit
In summary, film culture in The Hague is split between a submission platform and a human-rights festival. Know which one you are aiming for, then verify its current status on the official websites. For filmmakers, The Hague Film Festival offers awards and visibility without requiring travel. For audiences, Movies that Matter provides a public programme with discussions.
Before booking, confirm the exact dates and venues because none are guaranteed without an organiser announcement. By matching your interest to the right event, you can enjoy a meaningful film trip to the Dutch seat of government.
Related festival guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What film festivals are held in The Hague?
The Hague hosts Movies that Matter, an annual human-rights film festival with screenings, Q&As, and debates, and The Hague Film Festival, which operates as an international film submission platform rather than a public event.
What is The Hague Film Festival?
The Hague Film Festival is an international film submission platform where filmmakers submit their films for awards and feedback. It is not a public screening event, and its office is located in The Hague.
What is Movies that Matter?
Movies that Matter is a human-rights film festival held in The Hague. It screens feature films and documentaries that address human rights and social justice, often followed by Q&As and debates.
When is Movies that Matter festival?
Movies that Matter has historically taken place in March. The 2027 edition is announced for 19–27 March, but exact dates are confirmed by the organiser each year, so always check the official website.
How do I submit a film to a festival in The Hague?
To submit your film, you can contact The Hague Film Festival or Movies that Matter. Both organisations open submission periods and publish deadlines on their official websites; the latter is currently accepting submissions for its 2027 edition.
