Vrijplaats is FilmForward’s annual talent development programme in which film- and av-professionals, and researchers, are given the time and space to pursue a self-chosen research project. The new Vrijplaats is organised in collaboration with Beeld & Geluid and focuses on archive: we invite film- and av-professionals, and researchers who work with archives, to apply.
Within the film and audiovisual sector, archives are used in various ways: the archive can be an important site of research for film- and av-professionals, while existing moving images from archives can also be used to tell a new, or different, story. Through found footage, you can create an entirely new film, or rework existing material according to your own vision.
Archives also raise questions for researchers, such as: which communities are (still) not represented? And how does the selection of what we archive—a selection that is not neutral—determine which structures we maintain?
An archive is never neutral, but also never complete. This is precisely where the strength of an archive lies: existing material can be shaped into something new. We can feminise, decolonise, and apply Queer perspectives to archives in order to make silences and gaps visible, as well as add new histories.
For this Vrijplaats, we invite av-professionals and researchers to submit a research proposal around the theme of archive. There is space for six film- and av-professionals, and four researchers. Film- and av-professionals receive a stipend to further develop their film or audiovisual project.
The programme Vrijplaats Archive runs from June 2026 to April 2027 and consists of masterclasses, training sessions, feedback sessions, and visits to film festivals and archives. You will be coached by Juliette Jansen and Cees Martins from Beeld & Geluid, and Vrijplaats curator Dana Linssen. There is also ample space for joint sessions in which participants look at each other’s work and learn from one another. Participants are expected to attend all sessions—mostly in Amsterdam and Hilversum. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.
The programme concludes with presentations during Movies That Matter 2027.
Application procedure
Apply before Monday 6 April 2026 at 13:00 through this form. Online selection interviews will take place on Wednesday 29 April, Thursday 30 April, and Friday 1 May. We will announce the selected participants mid-May.
Depending on the selected participants, the language of the programme will be Dutch or English.
Programme timeline (subject to change)
Frequently asked questions
Who is this Vrijplaats for?
Vrijplaats is open to professionals in the film and audiovisual sector with a minimum of five years of professional experience. In addition, there are a few places available for early-career researchers who work with archives and have an interest in the film and audiovisual sector: these ‘auditors’ do not receive a stipend, but can participate in the programme.
How do I apply as a film- or av-professional?
Submit your application with a research proposal via this form by Monday 6 April, 13h00. The research proposal is intended to deepen your existing audiovisual project through archival research, or to explore your professional practice as a whole.
How do I apply as a researcher or auditor?
Submit your application with a research proposal via this form by Monday 6 April, 13h00. This proposal is intended to deepen your archival and research practice.
Can I apply as a team?
No, you can only apply individually as a film- or av-professional, or researcher.
Will my travel expenses be reimbursed?
Yes, all travel expenses to the Vrijplaats programme activities will be reimbursed.
What is the working language of the programme?
Depending on the selected participants, the language will be English or Dutch.
I’m not sure if my research or experience is suitable—how can I get in touch with FilmForward?
Send an email to project manager Dymme Plomp: dymme@filmforward.nl. We are happy to look for a solution together with you.
