IDFA Institute Industry & Filmmaker Support

ongoing

With three core values of inclusion, innovation, and artistic filmmaking, IDFA substantially contributes to an economically sustainable international documentary film and new media industry for filmmakers, artists, producers, and other stakeholders working in the creation, production, financing and distribution of documentary films and new media projects. In the 2025-2027 period, IDFA further consolidates its position as an international documentary institute with a wide reach that guides and inspires creative professionals presenting documentary as an art form and investing in its development, in a flexible environment capable of adapting to changing situations and evolving constantly. IDFA Markets proposes two markets including four programs for the co-financing, collaboration, and distribution of documentary projects for more than 1000 participants per year. DocLab Industry Track combines the DocLab Forum for co-financing immersive documentaries, the DocLab Summit for discussing AV developments, and the DocLab Playroom for prototyping new formats, annually servicing ca. 300 participants. IDFAcademy is an annual training program for 100 participants with professional development as primary goal. IDFA Bertha Fund Europe uniquely supports the coproduction of documentary projects between Europe and the rest of the world for up to 6 projects a year, with an additional 5 promotion grants. These four key programs specially designed for professionals jointly focus on building international networks, stimulating collaboration and co-productions, distribution, knowledge sharing and capacity building of emerging talent. As a result, IDFA plays a guiding and stimulating role in the documentary ecosystem in Europe and internationally, leading to a sustainable professional system where filmmakers can realize their documentary projects and explore the documentary art form.