International Documentary Filmfestival Amsterdam

ended

IDFA has in recent years grown into an international documentary institute that guides, inspires and shapes opinions. IDFA consists of a public festival, a fund, two markets, programs for new media, talent development and education, and an online platform – catering to audiences, professionals, and educators. Next to artistic quality, IDFA prioritizes urgency and accessibility in its selection, to ensure IDFA remains an institute with inclusivity and (gender) equality as key driving forces, and where all departments are committed to talent development, new media, and diversity. Over the past years, IDFA has strengthened its position as the largest and most important documentary event in the world, and the largest platform for European documentaries. It has experienced steady growth with a record 293,000 visits in 2019, including 40,000 school children and almost 3,300 industry professionals. Under the extreme circumstances of 2020, IDFA hosted a very well received hybrid festival—with activities onsite and online—that reached over 192,000 visits. Each year, IDFA selects ca. 300 international documentaries of which 200 (209 in 2019) are (co-)produced in Europe. Over the course of 12 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 3 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 play a central role in the post-COVID-19 recovery of the documentary film sector, and continue to develop its position as a platform for European documentaries and increase its accessibility to reach an even wider audience.