Clare Stewart will step down as Managing Director of the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) after the 2027 edition, having led the institution alongside Festival Director Vanja Kaludjercic through the post-pandemic period.

Over the past three years, Stewart has played a central role in strengthening the festival’s financial position. IFFR secured national and municipal subsidies through 2029, as well as increased support from Creative Europe through 2028. Restructuring and ticketing strategies also contributed to a 20% increase in box office and public revenue over the last three editions.

Supervisory Board Chair Korrie Louwes praised Stewart’s commitment, fundraising efforts and partnership development. Stewart said she believes this is the right time to hand over to a new Managing Director who can bring fresh energy and perspective to the festival’s continued efforts to achieve financial sustainability.

Following her departure, she will remain involved with IFFR, focusing on the continued development of the Displacement Film Fund, the short film grant initiative founded and led by Cate Blanchett. The festival’s Hubert Bals Fund acts as the programme’s managing partner. The initiative supports displaced filmmakers and filmmakers with a track record of authentic storytelling about forced displacement. The second cohort will premiere their films at the 2027 edition.

Stewart will also remain on the fund’s nominations committee. Before joining IFFR, she held several prominent positions at international film institutions, including Director of the BFI London Film Festival and BFI Flare, and Festival Director of the Sydney Film Festival.