Clare Stewart has announced her departure as Managing Director of the Rotterdam Film Festival, effective next year.
Clare Stewart has officially announced her decision to step down as Managing Director of the Rotterdam Film Festival (IFFR). This development was reported by Deadline on September 17, 2026. Stewart has played a pivotal role in the festival, leading alongside Festival Director Vanja Kaludjercic.
Stewart's tenure at IFFR will conclude after the next festival edition, marking her fourth year in this leadership position. Despite leaving her role as Managing Director, she plans to stay involved with the festival's Displacement Film Fund, which supports short films.
During her time at the helm, Stewart worked closely with Kaludjercic to maintain the festival's prominence in the film industry. Under their leadership, the festival secured crucial funding commitments, including four-year subsidies from both the national and municipal governments, which support IFFR through to the 2029 edition. Additionally, the content team successfully secured increased funding from Creative Europe to support initiatives up to 2028.
Stewart expressed pride in stabilizing the business position of IFFR during a challenging time for film festivals worldwide. In her statement, she emphasized the importance of passing on leadership to bring fresh perspectives into the organization. This is crucial as the upcoming subsidy cycle presents new opportunities for IFFR's future.
Vanja Kaludjercic praised Stewart for her exceptional commitment and professionalism during her time at IFFR. In her remarks, she highlighted Stewart's unique ability to explore new possibilities for the festival and to support the success of the Displacement Film Fund. Kaludjercic indicated that their collaboration would continue through the fund, marking a significant transitional phase for both.
While Clare Stewart is stepping down from her administrative role, she will maintain an ongoing relationship with IFFR's Displacement Film Fund, which is renowned for supporting emerging directors in the film industry. Founded and led by Cate Blanchett, this initiative has been essential in fostering new talent, demonstrating the significance Stewart will continue to bring to IFFR even outside of the Managing Director role.
Clare Stewart’s departure from the Rotterdam Film Festival marks a pivotal moment in its history as the search for a new Managing Director begins. This change could signal a shift in the festival's strategic vision, particularly as it prepares for future challenges and opportunities. The new leadership will play a crucial role in navigating the evolving landscape of film festivals globally and will need to continue the positive momentum established during Stewart’s tenure. The ongoing support from the Displacement Film Fund also remains crucial in nurturing new film talents and ensuring IFFR's continued relevance in the industry.
In conclusion, as the festival gears up for this transition, the commitment to fostering cinema remains strong at IFFR. The evolving leadership will inevitably face new challenges, but the foundation laid by Stewart and Kaludjercic provides solid ground for future growth.
For related articles, check out Peter Chan’s Directing Motto for ‘The Road Not Taken’ and Cate Blanchett's Displacement Film Fund to Support Short Films.
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