Skip to content
Leiden Travel
Visitors queuing outside a Leiden cinema during the film festival

LIFF 2026 — eleven days of international cinema in Leiden

From 8 to 18 October 2026, the 21st Leiden International Film Festival brings more than 100 films to the city. LIFF moves between independent discoveries, emerging filmmakers and larger audience titles, with screenings centred on cinemas in Leiden's compact historic centre.

Why visit the Leiden International Film Festival?

LIFF was founded in 2006 and has developed into one of the Netherlands' leading film festivals. Its programme crosses the usual divide between arthouse and mainstream cinema, making it useful both for dedicated film fans and visitors looking for an accessible festival evening.

The 2026 edition lasts eleven days and is expected to include more than 100 films from around the world. The programme is not one single genre or competition: the festival combines new voices, independent productions, shorts and broader cinema favourites.

Cinemas and travel from Leiden Centraal

Most screenings take place at Trianon on Breestraat and Kijkhuis in Vrouwenkerksteeg. LIFF also lists Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Stadsgehoorzaal, Wibar and Volkshuis for selected 2026 specials. The exact location is shown with each film in the official programme.

  • Trianon: Breestraat 31, in the historic centre.
  • Kijkhuis: Vrouwenkerksteeg 10, close to Haarlemmerstraat.
  • Allow roughly ten minutes to walk from Leiden Centraal to the main festival locations.
  • Check the individual venue information when accessibility matters for your visit.

Plan your LIFF visit

LIFF says the complete programme will be announced about one month before the festival. Until then, dates and the overall festival format are confirmed, but individual films, screening times and ticket details should be checked on the official festival website once published.

For each screening, check the spoken language, subtitles, duration and location separately. This is especially important for international visitors: LIFF shows films from many countries, but language and subtitle options differ by title.

Frequently asked questions

When is LIFF 2026?
The 21st Leiden International Film Festival takes place from 8 to 18 October 2026, a total of eleven festival days.
Where does LIFF take place?
Most screenings are at Trianon and Kijkhuis in Leiden city centre. Special screenings can use other venues, which are listed with the individual film.
When will the LIFF 2026 programme be available?
The festival states that the complete programme will be announced about one month before the festival starts.
Can I visit LIFF if I do not speak Dutch?
Often, but check every film separately. The official listing specifies spoken language and subtitles because these differ by screening.

Continue exploring Leiden