IDFA 2025 Forum Lineup: A Showcase of Diverse Documentary Talent
The International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) has officially announced its lineup for the 2025 IDFA Forum, highlighting an exciting array of both emerging and established filmmakers ready to take the international stage. Out of a remarkable 841 submissions, just over 50 documentary projects have been selected for this year’s forum.
In its 33rd edition, the festival’s co-production and co-financing market comes at a critical time. The world is facing numerous interconnected crises, including escalating conflicts, political instability, economic struggles, and environmental challenges. As the festival emphasizes, documentary cinema serves as a powerful medium capable of dissecting these issues with depth and nuance. The IDFA Forum aims to amplify urgent narratives and spotlight voices that navigate these complex realities.
Adriek van Nieuwenhuijzen, Head of IDFA Industry, expressed excitement about the selected projects, stating, "The diversity showcased illustrates the innovative spirit of documentary filmmakers and new media artists. These works not only shed light on underrepresented stories but also embrace non-traditional formats that resonate within a turbulent societal context."
The IDFA Forum will take place from November 16-19 across three venues: Pathé City cinema, ITA, and @droog in Amsterdam. Notably, the lineup ensures gender balance across formats, with approximately two dozen filmmakers set to debut their first feature-length documentaries.
Highlights of the Forum Pitch and Producers Connection
Among the standout projects is The Video Guy, directed by Sam Howard and Alexander Dickerson-Watson. This film chronicles a decade-long journey of five African-American youths aspiring to become the next music sensation while unpacking the hyperreal fantasies surrounding their lives.
Palestinian filmmaker Mohamed Jabaly, who won the Best Directing Award at IDFA 2023 for Life is Beautiful, will present My Sister Gaza, a collaborative documentary co-directed with his siblings Rima and Ibrahim Jabaly. This poignant film provides an intimate glimpse into daily life in Gaza amid conflict, intertwining personal narratives with broader socio-political themes.
Oscar-nominated director Petra Costa (known for The Edge of Democracy) will pitch an untitled project produced by Rémi Grellety, while fellow Oscar contender James Jones will present The Face of Power, exploring the interplay of power dynamics in contemporary society.
Other intriguing projects include Inframince by Alison O’Daniel, which investigates the mysterious Havana Syndrome through innovative cinematic language, and The Documenters by Loretta van der Horst, addressing the challenges of documenting war crimes and the inequalities of global justice.
The selection also features six projects chosen for Rough Cut Presentations, such as Bugboy by Lucas Paleocrassas, a heartfelt exploration of self-acceptance through the lens of a teenager with a rare eye condition.
The IDFA DocLab Forum, a segment dedicated to new media, will showcase 12 innovative projects that encompass a range of formats, including VR experiences and multimedia installations. These projects tackle themes like gender identity, war trauma, and cultural heritage.
In conjunction with the forum, IDFA’s Docs for Sale market will occur from November 15-19, providing an essential platform for filmmakers to connect with distributors and industry professionals.
Full Lineup Overview
The comprehensive list of selected projects for the Forum Pitch, Producers Connection, Rough Cut Presentations, and DocLab Forum showcases the vibrant landscape of contemporary documentary filmmaking. Here are some notable entries:
Forum Pitch:
- A Film For One, directed by Alexandre Donot-Saby
- All Fixed Up, directed by Hao Zhou
- ExCoded, directed by Javier Lovera
- My Name is Khalil, directed by Bilal Alkhatib
- The Face of Power, directed by James Jones
- The Video Guy, directed by Sam Howard and Alexander Dickerson-Watson
Producers Connection:
- My Sister Gaza, directed by Mohamed Jabaly and siblings
- Flying like a Bird, directed by El Mahdi Lyoubi
- Resisting Residents, directed by Nikos Pilos
Rough Cut Presentations:
- Bugboy, directed by Lucas Paleocrassas
- Getting the Message, directed by Neasa Ní Chianáin
DocLab Forum:
- Amasonic, directed by Marcel van Brakel
- Body Count, directed by Cris Bringas
This year’s IDFA Forum promises to be a dynamic celebration of documentary storytelling, addressing pressing global issues while fostering a collaborative spirit among filmmakers. Be sure to follow the festival’s updates as it approaches this remarkable event!
