The International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) is back this November with its biggest lineup yet—250 films from 76 countries, representing the full spectrum of contemporary documentary filmmaking. Running November 13–23, 2025, IDFA continues to be a cornerstone for nonfiction storytelling and a vital hub for indie creators worldwide.
Each year, IDFA showcases the diversity of the human experience through artful, daring, and deeply personal films. This year’s program includes stories from emerging filmmakers alongside veteran documentarians pushing new boundaries. Among the highlights are “My Sister Gaza,” “Four Comrades, One Echo,” and “The Video Guy”—projects exploring war, identity, memory, and resilience through both traditional and experimental forms. (IndieWire)
At the heart of the festival is the IDFA Forum—a co-production and financing market where 51 projects were selected from more than 800 submissions. For documentary filmmakers, it’s not just about premieres but about partnership. The Forum gives creators the chance to pitch their films directly to producers, funders, and distributors, while also engaging in workshops, thematic panels, and one-on-one meetings.
For Jeffrey Ikahn, who values grassroots collaboration in filmmaking, IDFA represents the best of what the indie world can achieve when creative vision meets global community. “Festivals like this remind us that filmmaking isn’t just storytelling—it’s conversation,” Ikahn says. “And the conversation is happening everywhere.”
This year also features Docs for Sale, a long-running IDFA initiative that connects completed films with buyers and distributors. It’s a practical lifeline for filmmakers seeking to bring their documentaries to broader audiences—a key step in a market where visibility can make or break a project.
With its blend of global scope, experimental work, and real-world industry access, IDFA 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark edition. For anyone making, funding, or simply loving documentary film, Amsterdam this November will be the place to watch.
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