International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam 2025-2026

ongoing

Since its establishment in 1988, IDFA has grown into a prominent international documentary institute that guides and inspires. IDFA consists of a public festival, a fund, two markets, programs for new media, talent development and education and its own documentary cinema in Amsterdam – catering to audiences, professionals, and students. Next to artistic quality, IDFA prioritizes potential audience reach and social commitment in its selection, to ensure IDFA remains an institute with inclusivity and (gender) equality as key driving forces, connecting a diverse offer of creative documentaries with a broad audience. In 2024 IDFA reached a total audience of ca. 253.000, amongst which almost 3.000 visiting international documentary professionals and over 55.000 students in primary and secondary education. Each year, IDFA selects ca. 270 international documentaries of which over half (166 in 2024) are (co-)produced in Europe. Over the course of 11 days, IDFA organizes ca. 1.100 public screenings or shows, divided over 5 competitions consisting exclusively of international premieres, 7 non-competition programs (two of which also with solely international premieres) and 2 themed programs that examine urgent social themes and specific cinematic qualities. By contextualizing the film program—by means of introductions, talks, events, publications, and education programs—IDFA creates enrichment that also contributes to the festival experience. With the support of Creative Europe during the next two years, IDFA aims to continue to develop its position as a platform for European documentaries and increase its accessibility to reach an even wider audience.