IDFA DocLab Forum

A unique opportunity to network with leading international professionals and experts who work in this innovative field

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. To find out more about submitting, see our submission guidelines.

Presentations are done in two formats: the Round Table Pitches or the (Demo) Project Presentations. Both presentation formats are followed up by one-on-one meetings. In all cases, the project teams will be introduced to industry experts and potential collaborators who can dramatically shape their future trajectories and potential for success.

Key dates:

Updated rules and regulations available: early May
Entry form available: June 1
Submission deadline: August 1
IDFA DocLab Forum: November 22-25

Round Table Pitch

The project team (consisting of the producer and director) presents the project to a hand-picked group of decision makers ranging from 10 to 15 people. The pitch is an opportunity to discuss the content and form of the project and discover which relevant steps can take the project further.

Project teams get 20 minutes total for their presentation: the pitch, including visual material such as a trailer or selected scenes, lasts around 10 minutes; the following 10 minutes are set aside for feedback from the panel. All presentations can be customized to fit the needs of the team and the project. The teams will get feedback from a tailor-made group of potential financiers matched to each project being pitched, to allow room for in-depth conversations about the artistic intentions and goals of the team.

Alternatively, some projects that are solely looking for co-producers may benefit from a presentation without feedback; this option can be discussed as well.

All projects are featured online via the Forum (with text and photos), 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 at idfaforum@idfa.nl.

Observers in the Round Table Pitch
IDFA Forum values the process of transparent knowledge sharing, which helps the international documentary 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 Forum contributes to an open and pluriform documentary network. The Round Table Pitches are open for Forum delegates to observe; depending on the specific pitching room there is space for between 50 and 250 people (including potential co-producers and financiers).

(Demo) Project Presentations

This presentation section caters to new media projects that are in the final stages of production or in early development. It is a valuable opportunity to present the prototype or an idea to industry professionals in order to receive specific feedback and advice.

Projects must be in the last stage of production or in early development. Projects need to have a prototype available, and will have a presentation space in one of our IDFA locations. Project teams will introduce their project in an elevator pitch (a short pitch lasting a few minutes); interested peers can try the projects in the presentation space.

Each project will have one-on-one meetings with a mix of professionals interested in the project, arranged by the Forum staff. In all cases, the one-on-one meetings will be tailor-made to best fit the needs and stage of the project.

IDFA DocLab is supported by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy of the Netherlands, CLICKNL, Netherlands Film Fund, Mondriaan Fund, ARTE, Flanders Audiovisual Fund. Tolhuistuin and MIAP Foundation.

Research Collaborations: MIT Open Documentary Lab and The Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision, POPKRAFT, CreativeXR, Diversion cinema, The Immersive Storytelling Studio (National Theatre) and Het Nieuwe Instituut.