IDFA in ITA

The International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) brings another exciting selection of the world's best documentaries to Amsterdam this year. At festival location ITA, immerse yourself in new work by emerging talent and established filmmakers, festival favourites, world premieres and various themed programmes.

IDFA takes place from 9 to 20 November in Amsterdam.

ABOUT IDFA

IDFA stands for the power of creative documentary. Documentaries that can connect, inspire and excite. Documentaries that expand the view of ourselves, the environment and the world around us. Documentaries that in their form dare to go beyond beaten paths and existing expectations.

During IDFA, you will see daily screenings of documentaries at ITA. Events such as IDFA Awards and Best of IDFA also take place at our theatre. We will also present two productions during the festival: Granma. Trombones from Havana by Rimini Protokoll and ITA on screen: La Reprise. Histoire(s) du Théâtre (I) by Milo Rau.

The programme

IDFA's programme sections reflect the documentary world, which is constantly evolving. From new art forms to established cinematic traditions, the competitions and non-competitive sections offer something for every filmmaker and film lover.

VIEW THE ENTIRE PROGRAMME

IDFA IN ITA

Language NP Language no problem Granma. Trombones from Havana Rimini Protokoll / Stefan Kaegi Theater Granma. Trombones from Havana
Close Granma. Trombones from Havana Rimini Protokoll / Stefan Kaegi
Granma. Trombones from Havana is documentary theatre in which four young Cubans reconstruct the lives of their grandparents and rewrite the history of their country.
Language NP Language no problem ITA on screen: La Reprise - Histoire(s) du théâtre (I) IIPM / NTGent / Création Studio Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles / Milo Rau Film ITA on screen: La Reprise - Histoire(s) du théâtre (I)
Close ITA on screen: La Reprise - Histoire(s) du théâtre (I) IIPM / NTGent / Création Studio Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles / Milo Rau
Liege, April 2012. Ihsane Jarfi, Muslim and gay, is tortured and murdered. The crime shakes the whole city. Milo Rau reconstructs the murder on stage.

'Stronger than a monument to the dead.' - Hassan Jarfi, the father of the victim.
Language NP Language no problem Werner Herzog: Radical Dreamer Thomas von Steinaecker Film Werner Herzog: Radical Dreamer
Close Werner Herzog: Radical Dreamer Thomas von Steinaecker
A journey through the world of Werner Herzog, comprising interviews with actors and directors, Herzog’s family and the legendary filmmaker himself. Unique behind-the-scenes access and anecdotes paint a picture of a radical dreamer and visionary.
Language NP Language no problem Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power (VPRO Extra) Nina Menkes Film Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power (VPRO Extra)
Close Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power (VPRO Extra) Nina Menkes
This essay documentary built around Nina Menkes’s lecture “Sex and Power: The Visual Language of Oppression” draws on a selection of classic and cult film images to deconstruct the ubiquitous objectification of women in film.
Language NP Language no problem Cesária Évora Ana Sofia Fonseca Film Cesária Évora
Close Cesária Évora Ana Sofia Fonseca
An affectionate portrait of this Cape Verdean singer with a deep, melancholic voice, using archived footage, live recordings, and interviews to capture the life of a woman who never betrayed her humble origins and always held on to her independence.
Language NP Language no problem Beba Rebeca Huntt Film Beba
Close Beba Rebeca Huntt
Dazzling self-portrait of a New York filmmaker who explores her Latin and African-American heritage in this revealing glimpse into her turbulent youth and family history.
Language NP Language no problem Riotsville, USA Sierra Pettengill Film Riotsville, USA
Close Riotsville, USA Sierra Pettengill
From the late 1960s, the US authorities’ response to social protest movements has increasingly tilted towards repression. This essay film shows the development through disconcerting archive material.
Language NP Language no problem Mothers (VPRO Extra) Nirit Peled Film Mothers (VPRO Extra)
Close Mothers (VPRO Extra) Nirit Peled
Four Amsterdam mothers explain how their sons got in trouble with the law and were subjected to a stigmatizing crime prevention program. Despite their powerlessness and frustration, they keep fighting for their children.
Language NP Language no problem IDFA on Stage: Arcadia Live Paul Wright Theater IDFA on Stage: Arcadia Live
Close IDFA on Stage: Arcadia Live Paul Wright
This startling collage of archival footage of the British countryside is a cross between a historical document and a psychedelic trip. The pulsating soundtrack is performed live by Adrian Utley (Portishead) and Will Gregory (Goldfrapp) plus band.
Language NP Language no problem All You See Niki Padidar Film All You See
Close All You See Niki Padidar
What if you suddenly end up in a world where you’re no longer seen but stared at? This film shows the alienation this evokes for four protagonists who are new to the Netherlands. If no one knows who you used to be, are you still yourself?
Language NP Language no problem Meet Me in the Bathroom (VPRO Extra) Will Lovelace / Dylan Southern Film Meet Me in the Bathroom (VPRO Extra)
Close Meet Me in the Bathroom (VPRO Extra) Will Lovelace / Dylan Southern
A portrait of the New York music scene around the dawn of the 21st century. Stories told by the front men and one front woman paint a picture of a generation of bands such as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Strokes, Moldy Peaches and LCD Soundsystem.

FILMMAKER TALKS

Language NP Language no problem Filmmaker Talk: Emma Davie IDFA Perspective programmes Filmmaker Talk: Emma Davie
Close Filmmaker Talk: Emma Davie IDFA
An in-depth conversation with filmmaker and scholar Emma Davie. Together with writer Pamela Cohn, she will discuss her body of work, artistic choices, and views on cinematic art.
Language NP Language no problem Filmmaker Talk: Nishtha Jain IDFA Perspective programmes Filmmaker Talk: Nishtha Jain
Close Filmmaker Talk: Nishtha Jain IDFA
An inspirational, in-depth hour-long conversation with renowned Indian filmmaker Nishtha Jain. Moderated by writer Pamela Cohn, this talk will focus on Jain's creative credo and body of work, featuring excerpts from both The Golden Thread and earlier films.
Language NP Language no problem Filmmaker Talk: Kidlat Tahimik IDFA Perspective programmes Filmmaker Talk: Kidlat Tahimik
Close Filmmaker Talk: Kidlat Tahimik IDFA
An in-depth conversation with director, artist, and multidisciplinary performer Kidlat Tahimik. Writer Pamela Cohn talks to the prominent Filipino filmmaker about his body of work, creative process, and shifting boundaries between genres and cultures.
Language NP Language no problem Filmmaker Talk: Petra Lataster & Peter Lataster IDFA Perspective programmes Filmmaker Talk: Petra Lataster & Peter Lataster
Close Filmmaker Talk: Petra Lataster & Peter Lataster IDFA
An inspirational, hour-long conversation with Petra Lataster-Czisch and Peter Lataster. Writer Pamela Cohn speaks with the renowned directors about their impressive filmography, views on cinematic art, and approach to working as a creative duo.

EVENTS

Language NP Language no problem IDFA Awards IDFA Events & Awards IDFA Awards
Close IDFA Awards IDFA
The highly anticipated IDFA Awards Ceremony will be streamed directly from Amsterdam and available to watch worldwide.
Language NP Language no problem Best of IDFA: Award Winners IDFA Film Best of IDFA: Award Winners
Close Best of IDFA: Award Winners IDFA
All the films included in this program received an IDFA Award, selected by an international jury of professionals from the documentary, film and art world.
Language NP Language no problem Best of IDFA: Audience Favorites IDFA Film Best of IDFA: Audience Favorites
Close Best of IDFA: Audience Favorites IDFA
Each year, IDFA audiences select their favorite documentaries by rating films for the NPO IDFA Audience Award. Some of the best-rated films will be screened during a full day program.
Language NP Language no problem IDFA: de Groene Amsterdammerdag IDFA Film IDFA: de Groene Amsterdammerdag
Close IDFA: de Groene Amsterdammerdag IDFA
The must-sees of IDFA 2022 selected by the editors of our media partner De Groene Amsterdammer.