AFFR & Education
At the Architecture Film Festival Rotterdam, we believe that film is more than a medium, it’s a powerful lens through which we can observe, question, and reimagine the built environment. Part of our mission is to inspire and cultivate the next generation of architecture filmmakers: those who see films as a vital tool to explore urgent urban questions.
We also view film as an extraordinary research method for architecture and design students. Film offers a compelling way to analyse spaces, reflect on historical and social narratives, and an accessible and engaging format to communicate ideas about architecture and the built environment to broader audiences.
AFFR is proud to collaborate with educational institutions across disciplines to bring film and architecture into meaningful dialogue. From curated screenings, to hands-on workshops, we offer a range of formats to suit different levels of engagement.
What we offer
Screenings in the Classroom
Film is an excellent entry point for discussing architecture, the city, and the pressing issues of our time. We offer curated programs with films and speaker suggestions for institutions in the fields of architecture, urban studies, design, heritage, or social sciences. Whether you are looking for a one-off screening or a selection of films to complement your studio theme, we can help build a program that links your curriculum to our festival titles.
Festival-Based Education Programs
During the festival, AFFR works closely with educational partners to organise tailor-made programs, such as student seminars, themed screenings, and full-day film programs.
We also support classes in attending the festival as a group. In 2024, we partnered with the Rotterdam Academy of Architecture and Urban Design to create a program guide tailored to their studio themes, encouraging students to navigate the festival through a lens relevant to their coursework. You can book a block of tickets for a specific screening, or work with us to design a custom ‘film itinerary’ for your students that aligns with your course objectives.
Film & Architecture Studio
From 2019 until 2024, AFFR and the Independent School for the City organized an annual Film & Architecture Studio. The studio had approximately 15 participants from various backgrounds, and took place at the Independent School. It consisted of publicly accessible lectures, closed lessons and excursions for the participants. The studio took place in September and the films produced during the studio were presented to the public at the start of the festival in October.
Bridges Film Lab
Bridges Film Lab facilitates the production and exchange of knowledge using film and architecture to explore social and environmental justice in the capital cities of the participating countries. After a cycle of open public lectures, aimed at catalyzing urgent conversations about sustainable urban futures in the local communities, young local creatives are selected to partake in the Film Mosaic Fellowship program, which provides funding and mentorship for the production of films about the pressing urban issues of each city.
After two successful iterations, AFFR has invited to join forces with Gogo Film (NL), Copenhagen Architecture Festival (DK), Nushi Film (GE) and Tbilisi Architecture Biennial (GE), to develop the consequent editions.
Interested in organising a screening, booking tickets for your class, or developing a custom learning track? Contact us!
