IDFA DocLab Forum

Since 2007, the Forum has given space to documentary projects in the field of new media. These projects range from web-based docs, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence projects to installations, multimedia journalism, and everything else that tells a documentary story or explores unknown realities. In 2019, IDFA together with IDFA DocLab introduced a new, complete cross-media market called the IDFA DocLab Forum, where the projects presented can find their way to new partnerships, receive in-depth feedback, and explore new ways to move forward.

The DocLab Forum is open to all kinds of interactive projects in all production stages, ranging from webdocs, virtual reality and artificial intelligence projects to physical installations, multimedia journalism, live performances and everything else that tells a documentary story or explores unknown realities. Linear documentaries with internet support (such as an informative website) are not eligible: the online component has to be a stand-alone project.

IDFA DocLab Forum setup in 2020

Current distancing and crowd limitations mean that IDFA DocLab Forum will take place online, ensuring that accredited guests all over the world can participate.

For the DocLab Forum, that means—as always—a commitment to careful matchmaking between new media artists and potential collaborators and funders. As in previous editions, selected teams will pitch their projects to a hand-picked group of potential co-financing and co-production partners, with the presentation setup tailored to individual needs. We will continue to organize project presentations, albeit in an online format. Curated one-on-one meetings with interested parties will still follow the pitches.

In addition to the open pitches, the Forum will offer a special category this year to help producers follow up on previous encounters and make new connections during the pandemic. The new category will feature approximately 20 of the top projects that have recently pitched at online markets in Europe and abroad, and will include curated one-on-one meetings between project teams and decision makers.

The DocLab Forum takes place online from November 16 to 20. For a detailed overview of the schedule, visit the Attending IDFA Forum page.

Observers in the Round Table Pitch & (Demo) Project Presentations

IDFA DocLab Forum values the process of transparent knowledge sharing, which helps the international documentary and new media community to connect, grow and flourish. By creating a platform where both seasoned and less-experienced participants can learn, share, and interrogate documentary trends, IDFA DocLab Forum contributes to an open and diverse documentary network. The Round Table Pitches and (Demo) Project Presentations are open for Forum delegates to observe online.

All projects are featured online via the Forum catalogue (with text, photos and visual material if available), where they can be viewed by decision makers who have a password. If you are a decision maker and want access to the online catalogue, please let the Forum staff know by emailing idfaforum@idfa.nl.