A Sizzling Start to Amsterdam's Queer Film Celebration
Get ready for a cinematic ride! The Roze Filmdagen, the largest and most celebrated LGBTQ+ film festival in the Benelux, has announced its opening night film, and it's a scorcher. The 29th edition of the festival will launch on Wednesday, March 18th, at its home base in Het Ketelhuis with the highly anticipated debut feature from director Harry Lighton, PILLION.
Starring Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling, the film is already generating significant buzz for its bold exploration of desire and power dynamics. This is one opening night you won't want to miss.
From Traffic Stops to Leather Bars
PILLION tells the story of Colin (Melling), a shy traffic cop living a life of quiet desperation. He yearns for connection, a soulmate to break through his monotonous existence. He finds it in Ray (Skarsgård), his complete opposite: a charismatic, impossibly handsome, leather-clad biker who radiates confidence and danger.
As Colin is drawn into Ray's orbit, he discovers an exhilarating new world of sadomasochistic desire. He must navigate this intense new relationship and decide just how far he is willing to push the boundaries of his own devotion.
A Certified Critical Darling
Arriving in Amsterdam with a suitcase full of awards, PILLION is more than just a pretty face. The film wowed critics at its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the prestigious Best Screenplay award in the Un Certain Regard section. It has since collected four British Independent Film Awards and is currently nominated for three BAFTAs: Best British Film, Best Screenplay, and Best British Debut Film.
Your Guide to the Festival
For nearly three decades, Roze Filmdagen has been a vital part of the queer cultural landscape in the Netherlands. What began as a small two-day event in 1997 has blossomed into a twelve-day cinematic feast, showcasing the very best in LGBTQ+ feature films, documentaries, and shorts from around the globe.
Tickets for the opening night are always in high demand. Here are the key dates to mark in your calendar:
- Opening Night ('PILLION') Ticket Sale: Starts Monday, February 9th at 12:00 PM.
- Full Festival Programme Reveal: Friday, February 27th.
- General Ticket Sale (Full Programme): Starts Monday, March 2nd at 12:00 PM.
For those who absolutely can't wait, PILLION is currently screening at the International Film Festival Rotterdam and is scheduled for a nationwide cinema release on March 26th.
