Read all the latest news from the festival and IDFA's year-round programs here, in addition to in-depth articles.
IDFA Project Space is now open for applications! Launched in 2020 by IDFA’s Filmmaker Support department, this innovative talent development program offers first- or second-time documentary directors the opportunity to work on their project with highly esteemed filmmakers and film professionals who are willing to share their knowledge and experience with emerging talent.
More info
The IDFA Bertha Fund is now accepting submissions for IBF Classic, the flagship grant program that supports documentary projects in development or (post-)production with €7,500 and €25,000 per project respectively. Additionally, selected filmmakers will receive tailored support from IDFA’s Filmmaker Support department and opportunities for connecting with IDFA’s professional network year-round. The submission deadline is December 10, 2022.
More info
The IDFA Bertha Fund is delighted to support six new documentary projects through the IDFA Bertha Fund Europe – Minority Co-production funding scheme. This round marks a new departure point for this category, as the co-production scheme has turned into a minority co-production scheme, which means that the Fund only accepted applications from producers that are involved as minority co-producers on the project. The Fund is awarding an amount of 40,000 euro to each selected project, in addition to offering year-round opportunities for connecting with IDFA’s professional network.
More info
With support from the Open Society Foundation, the IDFA Bertha Fund is launching a special call for documentary projects from Ukraine. The application deadline is August 1.
More info
Sometimes, a lengthy development phase is necessary to keep director-character power dynamics in check, say the IDFA Bertha Fund-supported filmmakers. And contrary to popular belief, that can actually lead to a more creative film.
More info
Filmmaker Martijn Blekendaal believes that the unwritten rules of youth documentary must be broken to bring the genre to maturity.
More info
Psychotherapist and producer Rebecca Day on the growing need for psychological and emotional support to filmmakers in the documentary industry.
More info
The IDFA Bertha Fund is now accepting submissions for IBF Classic, the flagship grant program that supports documentary projects in development or (post-)production. As announced late last year, the Fund is pleased to offer increased amounts to selected filmmakers from now on, with maximum contributions of €7,500 for development support and €25,000 for production support per project. In addition to funding, selected filmmakers will receive tailored support from IDFA’s Filmmaker Support department and opportunities for connecting with IDFA’s professional network year-round. The submission deadline is June 10, 2022.
More info
IDFA Project Space is now open for applications! Launched in 2020 by IDFA’s Filmmaker Support department, this innovative talent development program offers first- or second-time documentary directors the opportunity to work on their project with highly esteemed filmmakers and film professionals who are willing to share their knowledge and experience with emerging talent. In 2022, the program is spread over four months, from June to September, with two online modules and one in-person week in Amsterdam. Filmmakers will have the chance to engage in a continuous process of growth with a program that flexibly adjusts to their individual needs through individual consultancies, inspirational talks, group mentoring, and more. Apply by March 20, 2022 to be considered.
More info
Documentary filmmakers from the Global South frequently face a difficult dilemma. Sufficient financial support in their own countries is often hard to come by, so they have to rely on international funds, co-producing partners, workshops, co-production markets, and commissioning editors. In such an environment, it can be a challenge to keep your vision intact and tell your story the way you want to tell it.
More info