When will the 2023 festival take place?
Pluk de Nacht Utrecht takes place from August 11 to 19 2023 at Basecamp, Nijverheidsweg 16. Pluk de Nacht Amsterdam takes place from August 23 to September 2, 2023, at its usual location by the IJ: the Stenen Hoofd.
What time does the film start?
As soon as it starts to get dark, around 9.15 PM approximately, the film program begins. We start with a short film. The site opens at 6 PM, as does the bar. If you want, you can then already plop down in your beach chair. Some evenings we have live music before the start of the film. The feature film starts around 9.30 p.m.
When will the programme be announced?
Around the end of July. We are very busy finalising the programme.
Is there another edition for the little ones?
Yes, indeed, there are three editions this year, for different ages. Pluk MINI, already fun for little ones from 2 years old, takes place on Sunday afternoon, August 27 from 2 PM at the Stenen Hoofd in Amsterdam. Free access for children and their parents. For children/young people who have outgrown Pluk MINI, we organize special film evenings in the Pluk tent on Friday evening, September 1 and Saturday evening, September 2. These evenings start at 7 PM, cost 4.50 euros, and are intended for children, not their parents. Parents may hang out at the bar outside, by a fire, enjoy the art objects or just stare over the IJ.
What are the opening hours?
In Amsterdam and Utrecht, the festival grounds with bar/terrace and art program open every day at 6 PM. On the weekend (and in warm weather) possibly a bit earlier, keep an eye on the social channels. During Pluk MINI, we start at 2 PM.
What does a ticket cost?
Tickets cost €9.50 (+ 1.50 entertainment tax in Amsterdam) and with this, you can pick up a beach chair, get a beautiful film and a wonderful art program. Plopping down on the terrace is of course also possible, you just don’t have the same film experience as you have from a beach chair right in front of the container screen. Pluk MINI on August 27 remains free of charge, you don’t need a ticket for that. The Film circus evenings in the tent for children who are too big for Pluk MINI cost €5.00. Good to know: you can only pay with a debit card at the Pluk bar and at the rental of blankets. Please note: film tickets for the same evening can be purchased online until 7 PM that day, after that only on location.
Do I need a ticket?
Yes and no. Pluk is freely accessible, you can always come and sit on the terrace. If you want a beach chair for the container screen (the ultimate film experience if you ask us), then you pay 9.50 (+ 1.50 entertainment tax in Amsterdam). You can buy such a ticket online in advance (until 7 PM the same day) via our website by specifying your city and date. Or you can buy it on site. It is also possible to rent a blanket on site. It is greatly appreciated if you return the chair and blanket after the film.
Can I also buy a ticket for the show on location?
Yes you can, if the show is not sold out of course. (PIN only).
What kind of movies can I expect?
The films we screen at Pluk de Nacht are often successful at major international film festivals, but usually do not reach Dutch cinemas. Pluk de Nacht shows remarkable feature films, documentaries, animations, and short films that have not previously been seen in the Netherlands or have reached only a small audience. All sorts of things can come along at Pluk: from animation to road movie. From tragic rural documentary to absurd romantic comedy. Once a twelve-piece orchestra even played the music live with a number of short films, we also held a live crying competition with the goal: crying in front of the camera as quickly as possible. Organized with a big wink to emo-tv.
And if it rains?
We are an all-weather event and that means: the show always goes on. If it rains, bring an umbrella or rain gear 😉 In extreme weather conditions, there is a chance that the performance will be blown off (has not happened before), safety is paramount!
What languages and subtitles are used?
The films are spoken in English or have English subtitles. Very occasionally, a Dutch-spoken film may be shown that does not have English subtitles. The film descriptions always indicate in which language the film is spoken and subtitled.
Can I bring my dog/cat?
Yes, you can, as long as they are not too large, are leashed, do not disturb the film and of course you clean up their waste yourself.
How can I support Pluk de Nacht?
You can reserve a seat and by buying a beer at the bar, you also help the festival. Additionally, you can follow Pluk on Facebook and Instagram or sign up for the newsletter.
Is there something to eat and drink?
Absolutely! Pluk de Nacht provides a stocked bar with many tasty drinks, including from Oedipus. You will also find two food trucks on site. We will communicate here shortly what delicious food they will make. Please note: you can only pay with a card at Pluk.
Can I bring something myself?
Keep in mind that Pluk de Nacht can only exist if visitors buy a snack or drink at the bar. If you decide to bring your own stuff, please clean up your rubbish.
Can I bring my children?
Sure, but check if the film is suitable for your offspring as they are not specifically selected for that. On Sunday afternoon, August 27, we organize a special afternoon for children in Amsterdam: Pluk MINI, and on Friday evening, September 1 and Saturday evening, September 2, we organize a movie night for older children (who have outgrown Pluk MINI, can read subtitles but are too young for the adult films.
Where can I find Pluk de Nacht?
Pluk de Nacht has been taking place since the first edition in Amsterdam on the Stenen Hoofd, an old pier in the former harbor area on the IJ in Amsterdam West. In Utrecht the exact location will be announced soon.
Where can I park my bicycle?
Bicycle racks are placed on and around the festival site. Please do not place your bike outside these racks, and certainly not in front of the entrance to the festival site.
Is there anything else I should know?
Pluk de Nacht expects nothing more from you than some common sense. Safety is, of course, very important, so we keep emergency exits free and maintain distance. Fires are only possible in the fire pits that we have available on the site. We also greatly appreciate it if you throw your waste in the designated bins.
When was the festival founded?
The festival was founded twenty years ago by a few friends with a great love for film. They enthusiastically told friends about films they saw at the festivals they visited, but these were no longer available anywhere. The goal of Pluk was and is to let as many people as possible enjoy films that have not been released in the Netherlands or have only reached a small audience.
How important are the volunteers?
Extremely important! Without volunteers, there simply is no festival. From the very beginning, Pluk has been organized and realized by numerous volunteers who put all their creativity and energy into the festival. From a week before the festival, the location is cleaned and transformed into an atmospheric festival location. For a few years now, Pluk has not only been found in Amsterdam but we are also a regular fixture in Utrecht. Feel like joining our team? Send us an email!
Is there more to do than watch movies?
Definitely! Pluk de Nacht has evolved into a special meeting place where the screening of previously unreleased films is mixed with art and new media projects, food, drinks, and parties. Pluk de Nacht offers various young artists a stage so there is much more to experience at the festival besides the films. Let yourself be surprised! In addition, we also have other entertainment: a bowling alley, giant mikado, and a ping-pong table.
Hopefully, you have found your answer on this page. If not, please email us. We hope to see you this summer at Pluk!