Rotterdam opens with Depardon's 10E CHAMBRE
IFFR's Closing Night Film: HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE by Miyazaki

Wednesday 26 January, the 34th International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) opens with French court documentary 10E CHAMBRE, INSTANTS D'AUDIENCES (THE 10TH DISTRICT COURT, MOMENTS OF TRIALS) by Raymond Depardon. Later that evening the IFFR presents SIDEWAYS by US director Alexander Payne as its first 2005 public screening. The IFFR closes next Saturday February 5 with HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE by Japanese filmmaker MIYAZAKI Hayao.

On the choice of the Opening and Closing Night films, IFFR director Sandra den Hamer states: These films offer an outstanding reflection of what the IFFR wants to celebrate: openmindedness, a humane attitude towards mankind and the creative force of fantasy. Depardon presents a remarkable observation on how a contemporary society maintains its laws, Payne gives an excellent and personal portrayal of friendship and MIYAZAKI Hayao, again, shows his diligence in bringing his sensitive fantasies to live through an animated master piece."
Bruno Chatelin