International filmmakers in conversation with an audience after a screening

Filmmaker ConversationsScreening · Context · Exchange

After the film,
the room speaks.

Thoughtful Q&As that move beyond applause and bring audiences closer to the choices, cultures and lives behind the work.

The best post-screening conversation changes the way a film continues inside the audience.

HIFF intends to place dialogue close to the films—not as promotional ceremony, but as a form of cultural interpretation. Directors, writers, actors, producers and craftspeople may be invited to discuss the decisions behind the work, while moderators protect space for context, precision and meaningful audience questions.

Participation will depend on the final programme, filmmaker availability and venue schedule. No guest or session is confirmed until officially announced.

02 / A better Q&A

Curiosity with discipline

Conversation is part
of the curation.

01

Begin with the work

Questions start from what is visible and audible on screen rather than reducing the artist to biography or stereotype.

02

Protect cultural context

Moderation helps audiences encounter unfamiliar histories, languages and social realities without flattening them.

03

Make process visible

Craft, compromise, collaboration and production realities become part of the public understanding of cinema.

04

Welcome the audience

Clear formats and considered timekeeping create genuine participation without allowing the room to lose focus.

03 / Possible formats

Programme-led, not formula-led

Different films ask for different rooms.

Post-screening

Film + Q&A

A focused conversation immediately after a selected screening or programme block.

Curated dialogue

Across films

Filmmakers from different countries or forms discuss a shared artistic or social question.

Craft encounter

Inside one decision

A director, actor or craft artist examines a scene, sequence or production challenge in depth.

Year-round

Long conversation

Standalone discussions that reconnect audiences with filmmakers between festival editions.

Programme status

Films and guests will be announced after official selection.

Explore the 2027 programme