When does the 2023 festival take place?
Pluk de Nacht Utrecht takes place from the 11th through the 19th of August 2023 at our new location at Basecamp on Nijverheidsweg 16. Pluk de Nacht Amsterdam takes place from the 23rd of August through the 2nd of September 2023, at the usual location by the IJ: the Stenen Hoofd.
What time does the movie start?
The film program begins as soon as it starts to get dark, around 21:30. We start with the short film. The venue opens at 18:00, as does the bar. If you wish, you can already settle down in your beach chair. On some evenings, we also have live music before the start of the film.
How much does a film screening cost?
Tickets cost €9.50, and in Amsterdam, there’s an additional entertainment tax of €1.50, so the total cost is €11.00. With such a ticket, you can get a beach chair, watch a wonderful film, enjoy an art program, and dance after the film in the Stille Nachtclub. Of course, you can also just relax on the terrace, but the movie experience isn’t quite the same as when you’re sitting directly in front of the container screen in a beach chair. Pluk MINI on August 27 remains free of charge and doesn’t require a ticket. The Film Circus evenings in the tent for kids who have outgrown Pluk MINI cost €3.50 + €1.50 for the entertainment tax. Handy to know: you can only pay with a card at both the Plukbar and blanket rentals. Note: You can buy movie tickets for the same evening online until 19:30 that day, after that, they’re only available on location.
When will the program be announced?
The film program is announced each year about 2 to 3 weeks before the festival. It’s now online, and you can reserve your beach chair!
Will there be an edition for children again?
Absolutely, there are three editions this year, for different ages. Pluk MINI, which is suitable for little ones from 2 years old, will take place on Sunday afternoon, August 27, from 14:00 at the Stenen Hoofd in Amsterdam. It is free of charge for children and their parents. For the children/young people who have outgrown Pluk MINI, we organize special film nights in the Pluktent on Friday, September 1, and Saturday, September 2. These evenings start at 19:00, cost €3.50 (+ €1.50 entertainment tax/VAT), and are intended for children, not their parents. Parents may hang out at the bar outside, by a fire, enjoy the art exhibits, or gaze over the IJ.
What are the opening hours?
In Amsterdam and Utrecht, the festival grounds with the bar/terrace and art program open every day at 18:00. On weekends (and in warm weather), it may open a bit earlier, so keep an eye on our social media channels. During Pluk MINI, we start at 14:00.
Do I need a ticket?
Yes and no. Pluk is freely accessible, you can always drop in and take a seat on the terrace. However, if you want a beach chair in front of the container screen (for the ultimate movie experience, in our opinion), then you would need to pay €9.50 (and the city of Amsterdam also asks for an additional €1.50 fun tax per ticket). You can buy such a ticket in advance online (until 19:30 the same day) via our website by indicating your city and date, or you can purchase it on location. It’s also possible to rent a blanket on the premises. 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, that is possible. We also have a limited number of chairs available at the venue. However, please keep in mind that these might all be rented out at a certain point. (Please note: only card payments are accepted).
What’s new this year?
Whoops, we’re still very busy working on that, we’ll announce it soon.
What kind of films can I expect?
The films we show at Pluk de Nacht are often successful at large international film festivals, but usually don’t make it to Dutch cinemas. Pluk de Nacht presents remarkable feature films, documentaries, animations, and short films that haven’t been shown in the Netherlands before, or have only reached a small audience. All sorts of films can come across at Pluk: from animation to road movies. From tragic rural documentaries to absurd romantic comedies. Once, a twelve-piece orchestra even played live music alongside some short films. We also held a live crying competition once, with the goal being to cry as quickly as possible on camera. This was organized with a big nod to emotional TV.
And if it rains?
We’re an all-weather event which means: the show always goes on. If it rains, bring an umbrella or rain gear ? In case of extreme weather conditions, there’s a chance that the screening will be cancelled (which has not happened yet), as safety is our priority!
What languages and subtitles are used?
The films are either in English or have English subtitles. There may be a rare occasion where a Dutch spoken film is shown without English subtitles. The language of the film and its subtitles are always indicated in the film descriptions.
Can I bring my dog/cat?
Yes, you may, as long as they’re not too large, are leashed, don’t disturb the film, and you naturally clean up their waste.
How can I support Pluk de Nacht?
You can reserve a seat and by buying a beer at the bar, you’re also helping the festival. Additionally, you can follow Pluk on Instagram and Facebook, or sign up for the newsletter.
Is food and beverages available?
Absolutely! Pluk de Nacht provides a well-stocked bar with lots of delicious drinks, including ones from Oedipus. Also, you’ll find food truck(s) on the premises. What delicious things they’ll be preparing will be announced here soon. Please note: you can only pay by card at Pluk.
Can I bring my own food or drinks?
Keep in mind that Pluk de Nacht can only exist if visitors buy food or drinks at the bar. If you do decide to bring your own, please clean up your trash afterwards.
Can I bring my children?
Of course, but please check whether the film is suitable for your little ones, as they’re not specifically chosen for children. On Sunday afternoon, August 27, we’re organizing a special afternoon for children in Amsterdam: Pluk MINI. On Friday evening, September 1, and Saturday evening, September 2, we’re organizing a film evening for older children (those 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 at the Stenen Hoofd, an old pier in the former harbor area along the IJ in Amsterdam West, since the first edition. In Utrecht, we have a beautiful new location at Basecamp on Nijverheidsweg 16.
Where can I park my bike?
Bike racks are placed on and around the festival grounds. Please do not park your bike outside of these racks, and definitely not in front of the entrance to the festival grounds.
Is there anything else I should know?
Pluk doesn’t expect anything more than some common sense from you. Safety is obviously of great importance. That’s why we make sure emergency exits are always clear and sufficient distance is maintained. Fires may only be lit in the fire pits we provide on site. We would also greatly appreciate it if you could dispose of your rubbish in the designated bins. And besides: just be really kind to each other!
When was Pluk founded?
The festival was founded twenty years ago by a group of friends with a great love for film. They would excitedly tell their friends about the films they saw at festivals they attended, but these were no longer available anywhere else. The aim of Pluk was, and still 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 wouldn’t be a festival. From the very beginning, Pluk has been organized and realized by countless volunteers who pour 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 can be found not only in Amsterdam but is also a regular fixture in Utrecht.
Is there more to do than watching films?
Definitely! Pluk de Nacht has grown 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 provides a platform for various young artists, so there is much more to experience at the festival besides the films. Be surprised! In addition, we also have other entertainment: a bowling alley, giant mikado, and a ping-pong table.
I have another question!
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to email us or send a message via WhatsApp. You can also call us: 0850041645. We hope to see you at Pluk this summer!