Young Producers Program open for applications

About the program
The Young Producers Program brings together key elements of IDFAcademy, IDFA Industry, and IDFA Forum. Throughout the program, participants explore topics such as international financing, co-production, distribution, and the latest developments in the documentary field. Alongside the sessions, there is ample opportunity to connect with peers, exchange experiences, and build relationships with documentary professionals from around the world.

As a participant, you will also attend IDFA Forum as an observer, gaining first-hand insight into the international co-production and co-financing market, where documentary projects are presented to funders, co-producers, distributors, and other industry professionals.

The program begins with a preparatory meeting ahead of the festival and takes place in Amsterdam from November 12–18, 2026. Participants also receive an accreditation, giving them access to the festival's film program from November 12–22.

Eligibility
To be eligible for the Young Producers Program, you should:

• be based in the Netherlands (knowledge of Dutch is preferred, but not required);
• have demonstrable experience within the Netherlands as documentary producer or executive producer; 
• have international ambitions;
• be developing a documentary project with international co-production and/or distribution potential;
• be available to participate in the full program from November 12–18, 2026.
   

The Young Producers Program is a joint initiative of IDFA and the Netherlands Film Fund. Participants are selected by IDFA and the Netherlands Film Fund together.

To be considered for one of the six available places, please submit your CV and a motivation letter by September 18 to Eline Warnier (elinewarnier@idfa.nl) and Esther Aboagye Afriyie (e.aboagyeafriyie@filmfonds.nl).

In your motivation letter, please clearly indicate which documentary project you would like to bring to the program.