Attend IDFA Forum

Step into IDFA Forum in Amsterdam this November and position yourself within the international documentary market. Over four days, attend key presentations, connect with industry professionals, and engage directly with the projects, people, and conversations shaping the field.

Below, you’ll find key information on how to attend, who can participate, and what to expect during the Forum.

What’s new

In 2026, the Forum further develops its presentation structure with Pitch and Roundtable presentations, Rough Cut Screenings, and DocLab Forum. The morning Pitch presentations will move to DeLaMar Theatre, increasing capacity while keeping the Forum concentrated around Leidseplein and within close distance of its other industry locations.

Producer connections and co-production remain central to the Forum. Producers Connection is no longer presented as a separate program, with its focus now integrated into the Forum where relevant to the participating projects.

Key dates

Observer accreditation deadline: October 10
IDFA’s Markets Opening Drinks: November 15 (Het Documentaire Paviljoen)
Rough Cut Presentations: November 15 (Cinema Pathé City)
Forum Pitch Presentations: November 16–17 (DeLaMar)
Forum Roundtables: November 16–17 (De Balie)
One-on-one meetings: November 16–18 (Internationaal Theater Amsterdam (ITA)
DocLab Forum Pitch Presentations: November 16 (De Balie)
DocLab One-on-one meetings: November 17 (De Balie)
Forum lunches: November 16–17 (DeLaMar)
Forum Awards ceremony & Lunch: November 18 (TBA)

Who can attend

IDFA Forum brings together three main groups:

Project teams
Invited industry professionals
Observers (independent producers)

Who can attend as an Observer

What are the benefits of attending as an Observer?

Independent producers looking for new projects

Attending as an industry professional or financier

How you can take part

New to the Forum?

What to expect during IDFA Forum

IDFA Forum unfolds over four days, combining presentations, meetings, and informal moments to connect.

The program opens with Rough Cut Presentations, followed by a market opening cocktail. On Monday and Tuesday, the days are structured around Forum Pitch presentations, followed by lunch and parallel afternoon programming, including Forum Roundtables, DocLab Forum presentations, and pre-arranged one-on-one meetings.

The final day, Wednesday, is dedicated to meetings, concluding with the Forum Lunch and Awards Ceremony.

Throughout the Forum, there are daily opportunities to connect, including morning breakfast sessions for producers, the Docs for Sale Happy Hour, and evening Guests Meet Guests drinks (open to all festival guests).

All activities take place across venues in and around Leidseplein, creating a closely connected environment for meetings and exchange.

Further program details will be announced in September.