IFFR announces with great sadness the passing of Simon Field, co-director of the festival from 1996 to 2004, during which his programmatic vision was instrumental in shaping IFFR's international reputation. During his directorship, the Tiger Competition established itself as a platform for new talent, launching filmmakers such as Lou Ye, Christopher Nolan, Hong Sang-soo, and Pablo Trapero. Field introduced Exploding Cinema, a program that expanded the festival to Rotterdam museums and galleries, while also founding Cinema Regained and Filmmakers in Focus. After his departure, he produced films for the New Crowned Hope project and continued to collaborate with Apichatpong Weerasethakul, including on Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives.