Call for talents: IDFAcademy during IDFA 2025
Step into the heart of the documentary world this November.
We are now accepting applications for IDFAcademy during IDFA—an intensive, four-day program offering inspiration and knowledge exchange for selected filmmakers during the festival. The application deadline is August 1, 2025.
Emerging documentary directors and producers who have demonstrated their talent nationally and are ready to take the next step internationally are invited to apply for this renowned talent development program.
Taking place from November 13 to 16 in Amsterdam, IDFAcademy is designed to equip participants with the insight and expertise needed to grow their careers in the long term. The program features an expanded offering of round table discussions, group sessions, and case studies—all focused on navigating the fast-evolving international documentary landscape. Participants will also attend inspiring sessions connected to IDFA’s film selection, including Filmmaker Talks with well-known directors and leading industry professionals. Daily social events encourage networking and the potential for new collaborations.
“Less than a month after IDFAcademy, I was already applying the knowledge I gained here to my new projects. It was immensely valuable to meet directors and producers from various countries and realize we face the same challenges.” — 2024 participant
Former tutors and speakers
In recent years, IDFAcademy has welcomed a wide range of inspiring and established tutors and speakers, including Gianfranco Rosi, Gema Juárez Allen, Anand Patwardhan, Mikael Opstrup, Liselot Verbrugge, Farahnaz Sharifi, Joan Churchill, Estelle de Araujo, Wouter Jansen, Maite Alberdi, Claudia Tomassini, Karim Aïnouz, Lea Glob, and more.
Why apply?
- Meet acclaimed directors and industry professionals
- Gain insights into funding, distribution, and the global documentary landscape
- Join a vibrant network of international emerging filmmakers
- Get inspired by the films shown in the IDFA program
Deadline
The deadline to apply for IDFAcademy is August 1, 2025.
