Two projects selected for NFF + IBF Minority Co-production grant
The IDFA Bertha Fund and the Netherlands Film Fund are delighted to announce the NFF + IBF Minority Co-production selection. The scheme has awarded €50,000 each to two projects with a Dutch co-producer to help realize their documentary projects.
Launched in 2019, the NFF + IBF Minority Co-production funding scheme sets out to support international co-productions previously supported by the IDFA Bertha Fund and that have a minority Dutch co-producer. This year’s selection includes Morro Grande by Rita Toledo and Isabel Joffily and Whispers in May by Dongnan Chen.
IBF-supported projects and filmmakers
The first selected project is Morro Grande by Brazilian filmmaking team Rita Toledo and Isabel Joffily; both familiar names to IDFA. The project follows Rodolpho, a young Brazillian writer as he investigates the scientific correlation between long exposure to pesticide and depression in his rural community.
In 2023, the filmmaking team received full circle support from our Talent Development department—attending IDFAcademy and IDFA Project Space with Morro Grande—and subsequently received IBF Classic support for production and postproduction. This project is produced by Coevos Filmes from Brazil and co-produced by Basalt Film from the Netherlands.
The second selected project is Whispers in May by Chinese filmmaker Dongnan Chen; which follows Qinghua, a Yi ethnic teen, on a road trip to find a skirt for her menarche ceremony.
Whipsers in May previously received IBF Classic support for production and postproduction in 2023. This project is produced by Tail Bite Tail Films in China and co-produced by Muyi Film in the Netherlands. Dongnan Chen previously saw the premiere of their short film 14 Paintings at IDFA 2023, as part of the IDFA Competition for Short Documentary.
Selected projects
Brazil – dir. Rita Toledo, Isabel Joffily – prod. Coevos Filmes (BR), co-prod. Basalt Film (NL)
In rural Brazil, a place covered with heavily pesticide-sprayed chayote vineyards, the suicide of another young farmer awakens in Rodolpho, a writer born in the area, the urge to return and understand the melancholy that descended upon the region.
China – dir. Dongnan Chen – prod. Tail Bite Tail Films (CN), co-prod. Muyi Film (NL)
Qinghua, a Yi ethnic teen, sets out on a road trip with her two besties to find a skirt for the menarche rite of passage.
Upcoming deadlines
The IDFA Bertha Fund is currently accepting applications for the IBF Classic funding scheme until June 10.
