IDFA: International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam
Each November, the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) transforms Amsterdam’s city centre into a paradise for documentary film fans. Held since 1988, IDFA is the world’s largest documentary festival and features lectures, workshops and over 300 movies that tell stories about life around the world. Some are funny, others sad, and they all represent the best the genre has to offer. Screenings take place throughout the city and include outdoor showings where you can watch a film under the night sky. PLEASE NOTE: Dates for 2023 need to be confirmed.
IDFA: International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam
A world of cinematic discovery at IDFA
IDFA is a renowned international film festival that treats documentary lovers to the latest and greatest domestic and international arrivals from the documentary film world. No other festival brings together so many great films, devoted fans and talented film-makers in one place, making IDFA one of the world's leading documentary film festivals. The films presented at IDFA all tell extraordinary stories about life – often revealing and moving, they can also be shocking or funny.
A global perspective
With hundreds of international documentaries on offer, IDFA's programming provides a look at the world from a variety of unique perspectives. Taking viewers to some of the world's poorest and wealthiest places, the documentaries featured are often as poetic as they are powerful. While Amsterdam's cinemas play a central role in the festival's programming, you'll find a wide variety of special events, lectures, discussions and workshops taking place at venues all over the city.
The complete programme can be found on the IDFA website. A large proportion of the film screenings are in English or with English subtitles.