The film Dirty God by Dutch filmmaker Sacha Polak (Hemel, Zurich) will open the 48th edition of International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). Dirty God is a compelling portrait of a young mother named Jade (a powerful debut role for actress Vicky Knight), and deals with themes of courage, self-acceptance and motherhood in contemporary London.

Festival director Bero Beyer: “We’re very proud to announce that this intensely powerful and emotional film by a daring Dutch filmmaker will give a flying start to our 48th edition. Dirty God grabs you by the throat, while at the same time sketching a complex, multi-layered image of a strong woman dealing with her difficult situation. This grandiose work of cinema goes beyond the superficial to pose questions of guilt and beauty, hate and fear, strength and femininity.”

Sacha Polak: “As a loyal IFFR visitor, I’m honored to have my film open the festival. What a great place for a world premiere.”

Just a few days after its world premiere in Rotterdam, Dirty God will see its international premiere at Sundance Film Festival, where it will be the first-ever Dutch film to screen in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition.

Polak’s feature debut Hemel (2012) screened at the Berlin International Film Festival where it won the FIPRESCI award. Her second feature,  Zurich  (2015), also screened in Berlin and won the C.I.C.A.E award. Dirty God is Polak’s English-language debut.