Checklist for IBF Classic Entry

Entry forms will be online between six to eight weeks before the deadline. All fields of the entry form are mandatory and the entry form cannot be submitted without filling in all details. All information must be provided in English.

Please note:

• The entry form will log out automatically when not used for two hours. Please be sure to save the form if you are not able to finish it within this time period.
• If you press 'next' in the entry form it will save the previous page of your entry, and you can come back to it later. Also, at the end of the form you have the choice to save it all or submit right away.

IBF Classic Project Development – How to proceed

• Read the Regulations to see if your project meets the basic criteria.
• Complete an entry form in MyIDFA. The entry form includes:
  • basic details of the project
  • list of crew members
  • logline (50 words)
  • synopsis (400 words)
  • project description (1,100 words) which can include the visual approach, director’s statement, background information, details about protagonists, information about access to protagonists and locations, et cetera.
  • biographies of the filmmakers and producers
  • link to audiovisual materials (trailer, demo, edited sequence, previous work)
  • implementation plan of research or fundraising teaser production
• Project Development applications will only be accepted when accompanied by original visual material of the project. Material from other resources that serve merely as style example, is NOT accepted. If available, a teaser or selected research material from the project is recommended IF representative of the style. If no audiovisual material is available, photos or a visual presentation can also be presented through a Vimeo or YouTube link.
• Project Development applications should also be accompanied by one previous work, preferably representative of the style of the filmmaker. This previous/additional film, although required for the jury's selection process, is viewed only if necessary in making decisions regarding the selection process.

IBF Classic Production & Post-production – How to proceed

• Read the Regulations to see if your project meets the basic criteria.
• Complete an entry form in MyIDFA. The entry form includes:
  • basic details of the project
  • list of crew members
  • logline (50 words)
  • synopsis (400 words)
  • project description (1,100 words) which can include the visual approach, director’s statement, background information, details about protagonists, information about access to protagonists and locations, et cetera.
  • story outline
  • biographies of the filmmakers and producers
  • link to audiovisual materials (trailer, demo, edited sequence)
• Post audiovisual material from the project on Vimeo or YouTube. This could be a trailer, an edited sequence or an introduction to the subject or subjects.
  • If the project is in the production phase, the material should have a minimum length of 3 minutes and a maximum length of 20 minutes.
  • If the project is in the post-production phase, the material should have a length of around 20 minutes. If your material is longer than 20 minutes, please indicate which part we need to watch or make a selection of 20 minutes of which you think is the most representative of and/or complementary to the end result.
  • The video must be in English or have English subtitles.
  • The material must remain online for at least two months following the deadline.
  • If possible, please allow for free viewing of the material (no password required).
  • Send the link to idfaberthafund@idfa.nl.

All steps must be completed by the day of the deadline. If you are struggling while writing your proposal, read our tips for writing a proposal.

What to do after pre-selection

A pre-selection committee will evaluate all submissions and will make a pre-selection within 20 days after the deadline. The applicants of the pre-selected projects will receive a more extensive application form, which must be completed and returned within a week. If applicants do not comply with this requirement, projects will be automatically rejected.

The pre-selection form includes among other things an extensive budget, finance plan and production schedule. These applications will then be sent to the final selection committee, whose findings will be announced two months after the deadline.

The IDFA Bertha Fund is supported by Bertha Foundation, Creative Europe Media, JustFilms / Ford Foundation, Open Society Foundations, Netherlands Film Fund, ASN Foundation and Special Friends+.