Cross-section awards at IDFA

Each year, a series of cross-section awards cut across the IDFA program, celebrating the Best First Feature, Best Dutch Film, and the Beeld & Geluid IDFA ReFrame Award for the creative use of archival materials. With dedicated juries for each prize, these awards draw from the main competitions and curated programs in the IDFA 2025 official selection, simultaneously offering a lens to discover standout films across the festival. Discover IDFA’s cross-section awards below.

Placing first-time feature-length filmmakers in the spotlight, the IDFA Award for Best First Feature celebrates a remarkable debut in the IDFA 2025 program. This award recognizes emerging voices making their first feature-length documentary. Thirteen films have been nominated, drawn from the International Competition, Envision Competition, Luminous, and Frontlight sections. An international jury will select the winner, who will receive a trophy and a €5,000 prize.

The IDFA Award for Best Dutch Film recognizes outstanding Dutch filmmaking in the official selection, highlighting the strength and diversity of the national documentary field on the international stage. Eight films have been nominated from the International Competition, Envision Competition, Luminous, and Frontlight sections. An international jury will select the winner, who will receive a trophy and a €5,000 prize.

The Beeld & Geluid IDFA ReFrame Award recognizes a film for outstanding and inventive use of archival materials. Presented in partnership with the Netherlands Institute for Sound & Vision, the award celebrates how the create use of archival footage and re-appropriated records can offer new perspectives on the past and present. Ten films from the IDFA 2025 official selection have been nominated. An international jury will select the winner, who will receive a trophy and a €5,000 prize.

Presented by the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI), the FIPRESCI Award is drawn from the films nominated for the IDFA Award for Best First Feature. This prize offers an international critics’ perspective on emerging filmmakers, highlighting a debut feature that demonstrates exceptional promise and artistic vision. An international jury of critics will select the winner.

Each year, IDFA invites a distinguished group of filmmakers, artists, and industry experts to join our juries. Their insights and expertise play a vital role in celebrating the most outstanding works in documentary film. With deep appreciation, we’re proud to introduce the jury members of IDFA’s 38th edition—discover the full lineup across all awards below, including IDFA's main competitions.

The award-winners will be announced during the Awards Ceremony on Thursday, November 20.