Every autumn, Leiden transforms into a hub of international cinema. The Leiden International Film Festival (LIFF) brings together audiences, filmmakers and industry professionals for eleven days of discovery. Founded in 2006, LIFF has grown into one of the largest film festivals in the Netherlands, screening more than 100 films each year.

What makes LIFF unique is its mix of programming, combined with lively Q&As, masterclasses and parties across the city. LIFF is more than a festival. It is an experience.

Behind that experience is also a strong technical foundation. For several years, Flex IT Rent has supported LIFF with IT hardware rental solutions, providing the tools to keep the festival running smoothly from start to finish.

The hidden side of a film festival

While audiences focus on red carpets, premieres and conversations, running a festival of this scale requires an enormous amount of organisation behind the scenes. Visitor management, ticket scanning, volunteer coordination, scheduling, logistics and even on the spot film reviews all rely on technology.

The challenge is that a festival only needs this hardware for a limited time. Buying devices outright would be costly and unsustainable. That is why LIFF uses a flexible rental model, where equipment can be scaled up during the event and reused afterwards in other projects.

Flex IT Rent and LIFF, more than hardware and a trusted partnership

Flex IT Rent delivers a carefully selected mix of devices tailored to the festival’s needs. The goal is simple: provide reliable, ready-to-use technology that supports both front-of-house operations and behind-the-scenes coordination.

iPads help staff and volunteers manage visitor check in and ticket scanning, ensuring audiences can flow quickly into screening venues. Laptops and computers serve as the backbone of festival operations, powering scheduling, logistics and press communications. High quality monitors and accessories give staff and film professionals the tools to review movies and prepare screenings on the spot.

All devices are preconfigured, tested and delivered ready to use. This allows the LIFF team to focus on cinema rather than setup.

By acting as a reliable partner, Flex IT Rent makes sure LIFF’s technical foundation is secure. It is a collaboration built on trust. LIFF can rely on Flex IT Rent to provide solutions that work, while Flex IT Rent is proud to support one of Europe’s most creative cultural events.

Why renting works for cultural events

LIFF’s use of IT rental reflects a broader trend. Across Europe, cultural organisations are discovering that renting technology offers clear advantages.

Flexibility to scale the number of devices during events, no large upfront investments for hardware, and sustainable practices by reusing devices across projects.

As LIFF continues to grow and attract international recognition, Flex IT Rent remains behind the screens, helping deliver the experiences for audiences and filmmakers alike. Film festivals thrive on creativity, community and connection, and the right technology can make it all possible.

Planning a festival or cultural event? Discover how Flex IT Rent can help.