Expat Cinema Rotterdam

🏆 Winner Jury Prize - Cannes Film Festival 2007 🏆

► ABOUT THE MOVIE
Based on Satrapi's graphic novel about her life in pre and post-revolutionary Iran and then in Europe. The film traces Satrapi's growth from child to rebellious, punk-loving teenager in Iran. In the background are the growing tensions of the political climate in Iran in the 70s and 80s, with members of her liberal-leaning family detained and then executed, and the background of the disastrous Iran/Iraq war.

Persepolis is an emotionally powerful, dramatically enthralling autobiographical gem, and the film's simple black-and-white images are effective and bold.

Today, Persepolis resonates more strongly than ever, as movements like Woman, Life, Freedom amplify the voices of those fighting for equality and human rights in Iran and beyond.

More than a reflection on the past, Persepolis is a tribute to courage, self-determination, and the importance of speaking out—even when silence might seem safer. It reminds us of the power stories hold to inspire change.

► ABOUT THE MEETUP
Use the event chat on here to stay in touch. Depending on the group and peoples timing we can meet before and/or after film in the foyer or on the terrace (if the weather plays nicely)

Reminder: film with a short introduction starts at 19.00 sharp!

💚 A true Rotterdam film, made and set in 010 💚

► ABOUT THE MOVIE
After its successful premiere at IFFR 2025, where it landed second in the audience favorites, Three Days of Fish is finally hitting cinemas. This black-and-white tragicomedy explores the tense relationship between Gerrie and his son Dick during their annual three-day reunion in Rotterdam, overshadowed by the looming possibility that this might be Gerrie’s final visit.

Gerrie (68), originally from Rotterdam, has been living for years with his second wife Rosa in the Algarve, though he’s still officially registered in the Netherlands. A former bus driver and now a COPD patient, Gerrie travels to Rotterdam once a year for medical check-ups and other routine appointments. During his stay, he lodges with his Cape Verdean stepdaughter and reunites with his son Dick (45), who is at odds with himself and the world around him. For years, Gerrie has turned a blind eye to his son’s problems. Dick, in turn, always expects too much from their brief time together and yearns for meaningful connection. This year, the sense of finality hangs in the air—this could well be Gerrie’s last trip back.

Ten years after his acclaimed debut Between 10 and 12, filmmaker Peter Hoogendoorn returns with the equally personal, at times hilarious, and always sincere Three Days of Fish. Shot in fitting black and white, set against the backdrop of the city, and brought to life with sensitive, understated performances by Ton Kas and Guido Pollemans, the film gently reminds us—often through laughter—how vital it is to truly talk to one another.

► ABOUT THE MEETUP
Use the event chat on here to stay in touch. Depending on the group and peoples timing we can meet before and/or after film in the foyer or on the terrace (if the weather plays nicely)

Reminder: film with a short introduction starts at 19.00 sharp!