IDFAcademy

Taking place from November 12 to 15, 2026, in Amsterdam during IDFA, IDFAcademy is open to 100 directors and producers making their first or second film. Participants have proven their talent nationally and are looking to expand their careers internationally.

While the program is not project-driven, participants are encouraged to have a project in development or recently finished film. This allows them to apply insights and advice directly to their own work during the four-day program, while supporting their long-term professional and creative development.

The program fosters exchange established professionals, institutions, and a new generation of filmmakers and producers, preparing them to navigate the international documentary landscape.

The four-day program includes sessions such as Filmmaker Talks, where acclaimed directors and leading industry professionals from IDFA’s selection share their insights into their practice. Round table discussions, group sessions, and case studies offer insight into the international documentary market and current trends, helping participants develop a broad view of the field. Daily social events encourage new collaborations and expand participants’ networks.

Former speakers and tutors have included Gianfranco Rosi, Petra Costa, Firouzeh Khosrovani, Sophie Fiennes, Gema Juárez Allen, Anand Patwardhan, Mikael Opstrup, Liselot Verbrugge, Joan Churchill, Estelle de Araujo, Wouter Jansen, Maite Alberdi, Claudia Tomassini, Karim Aïnouz, and Lea Glob.

• IDFAcademy is open to directors and producers working on their first or second feature film. IDFAcademy is not focused on project development; for project-based support, see IDFA Project Space.
• Participants are expected to have proven their talent on a national scale and now show interest in expanding their career internationally.
• Film students are not eligibleIDFAcademy is not eligible for film students (Filmmakers doing a PhD candidates are eligible).
• Filmmakers who have previously attended IDFAcademy during IDFA before are not eligible to apply again.

Applications will open June 1 and close August 1 2026.

Find the elements required for the application below.

The following information must be included when filling in the form:

• Short professional profile – Describe your professional background and creative focus as a documentary maker.

• Filmography – Works-in-progress may be included.

• Motivation – Describe why do you want to join IDFAcademy and why this is the right moment in your career to be part of this program.

• Learning objectives – Describe one or two key questions, challenges, or areas of development you would like to focus on during IDFAcademy.

• Contribution to the group (video) - A video (max. 2 minutes, in English) explaining what perspectives, experiences, or qualities you would bring to an international peer group.

• Link to audio-visual materials – Material from a current project or previous work (in English or with English subtitles). In addition to one main link, you can provide additional relevant links (e.g. website, portfolio, or short reel).

The following information is optional: 

• Title, description, and stage of a current project.
• Letter(s) of recommendation.

The cost of the IDFAcademy pass is €250 excl. 9% VAT. The pass does not cover travel or accommodation expenses.

Participants residing and working in the countries listed here may be eligible for a fee waiver to IDFAcademy. Please consult the full discount list.

Due to the high number of applications, selection is carried out by a committee of industry experts and IDFA staff. Approximately 100 filmmakers from around the world are selected to participate in the program in Amsterdam. Results are communicated at the beginning of October.

In addition to filmmakers who apply to IDFAcademy through the open call, participants from IDFA’s other training programs are also invited to participate in the program. This creates overlap between programs and allows participants to follow a broader trajectory: developing projects with IDFA Project Space (and IDFA Project Space NL), while gaining industry insight and expanding their network through IDFAcademy.

IDFAcademy takes place from November 12 to 15, 2026, as part of IDFA 2026.