The year 2018 marks the 10th anniversary of LISFE. It has grown from humble beginnings that involved screening short-films in the Leiden University common room, to establishing itself as one of the fastest growing short film festivals in The Netherlands. Over the years, LISFE has been driven by the goal of transforming various artistic venues around Leiden, albeit for a few days, into spaces offering an opportunity to sample what the world of international short-films has to offer. We have, however, not just restricted ourselves to films – by combining cinema with art exhibitions, installations, cineconcerts and more recently, a strong focus on innovative storytelling through technology, we strive to offer our audiences a truly unique ‘experience’. 

This year, we are incredibly proud to call Kijkhuis, the Leiden art-lover’s favourite cinema, our new home. This is a partnership that will enrich the festival and no doubt help firmly cement LISFE’s position and identity in the cultural scene of Leiden. The ‘experience’ remains an important part of LISFE, with specially curated installations, exhibitions and interactive spaces on display at venues all around Leiden.

Besides our main location, the festival collaborated with Old School for its Experimental film showcase and for its series of side events. Old School will also host the thematic events of this edition. 2018 marks 50 years from the student movements around the world. On this occasion LISFE invites Jeffrey Babcock – an American filmmaker who immigrated to Amsterdam in the 1980s – and Peter Storm – a Dutch anarchist writer/speaker active in various networks and organizations including the Tilburg Anarcho Society and the Free Association – to host a talk on their relationship and contribution to those movements. Furthermore, two talks held by MA students and Phd candidates from Leiden University will explore the connection between film and science. These events are organized in collaboration with Webster University, which will also host the interactive Documentary and VR exhibition of the festival. Finally, LISFE also organized a handcraft workshop for the younger ones.

This edition of LISFE promises once again to tell some of the most interesting stories from around the world. We hope you enjoy everything LISFE has to offer as much as we have enjoyed putting it all together.