IDFA and Cultural Boycott
This week, several media outlets have falsely claimed that IDFA does not accept filmmakers or films from Israel. This is incorrect.
IDFA does not exclude individual, independent filmmakers and film professionals—including those from Israel.
Each year, IDFA invites more than 300 independent films, projects, and new media works, along with more than 3,000 professionals to the festival.
These films and individual film professionals can come from any country—including those where freedom of expression is under pressure or where governments commit human rights violations.
However, if filmmakers and films have demonstrable ties to governments that contribute to serious human rights violations, these films are generally not selected. This assessment is informed by the Global Press Freedom Index, focusing on countries in the two lowest categories. Independent films and filmmakers are always assessed on a case-by-case basis, and exceptions may apply.
The same principle applies to official government delegations or institutions affiliated with such governments: in principle, they do not receive official IDFA accreditation, although they may, for instance, be invited in a personal capacity.
Recently, IDFA joined 713 organizations and 2,163 artists in signing the Dutch and Belgian cultural boycott against Israel. This boycott is in line with our existing guidelines: to exclude institutions financed by the Israeli government. This does not apply to all films, filmmakers, or other film professionals from Israel.