IDFAcademy during IDFA
An intensive training program for emerging documentary filmmakers and producers.
Taking place every November during IDFA, IDFAcademy gives emerging international filmmakers the opportunity to meet a broad spectrum of highly esteemed documentary professionals willing to share their knowledge of the industry.
IDFAcademy during IDFA 2022
Program
IDFAcademy during IDFA took place from November 10 to 13 in Amsterdam and was open to directors and producers making their first or second film, who have proven their talent on a national scale and wanted to expand their career internationally. Although the program is not project-driven, participants had a project or finished film during their attendance. This ensures that participants are constantly applying the general knowledge and advice to their own documentary during the four-day program. A new generation of filmmakers and producers was prepared to succeed on the international documentary market by creating an exchange between established professionals, institutes, and the filmmakers (directors and producers) of the future.
After the last couple of years during which IDFAcademy had to take place in hybrid form – both online and in person – it was with great delight that it could be back in full swing again. This meant that no less than 100 participants attended in person, hosted by our new venue Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (ITA), which served as IDFA's Festival Center. Sessions and talks included Laura Poitras’ Master Talk, speakers such as former Guest of Honor Gianfranco Rosi, director of this year's opening film Niki Padidar, and many more.
Application process
Applications for IDFAcademy will open again in the summer of 2023.
Selection
IDFAcademy selected 100 emerging filmmakers for its 2022 edition. It is the most international edition to date, with participants from 55 different nationalities attending, bringing about a rich atmosphere of intercultural exchange. Notable this year was the number of participants that we consider part of our year-round connection. Take the 21 directors and producers for example, which previously have received support though an IDFA Bertha Fund grant. Or the 17 international participants from the IDFA Project Space, our in-depth talent development program, or the 6 Dutch-speaking participants from its Dutch counterpart, a collaboration with the NPO Fund. The Academy was also excited to welcome a couple of recipients of the IDFA Spotlight Award, which IDFA gives out at international festivals and markets throughout the year – the South Korean filmmaker Minji Ma being the latest to date.
IDFAcademy harvest at IDFA 2022
In 2022, seven films that participated in our talent development programs made it into the official festival selection. Read more about the year's harvest here.
IDFA Film Student Route
Every year, IDFA and the Netherlands Film Academy organize the IDFA Film Student Route: a tailor-made program for film students from film academies and film schools. This is an inspiring route through the IDFA program that includes the latest developments in today’s international documentary industry. The IDFA Film Student Route includes, among other activities, the IDFA Film Academy Day at the Netherlands Film Academy, films from the IDFA program with Q&As, extensive masterclasses, and network opportunities with international film students and professionals. Attending students and teachers also receive a special group discount on the IDFA Guest Pass.
IDFA's talent development program is made possible by The Netherlands Film Fund, Creative Europe Media and NPO Fund.
