Eyeing Europe’s New Generation of Documentary Filmmakers

While most of the attention at IDFA, the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, is on the completed programs in the public festival and the projects being sold and pitched at the professional forums, the organization is also eyeing a new generation of documentary talents. The IDFAcademy takes place both during the Festival and throughout the year, giving talented film school students a valuable networking opportunity to learn from industry experts. For three intensive days during this year’s Festival, a lucky group of emerging filmmakers, producers and film students will participate in a training program that gives them the opportunity to meet documentary professionals from across the world who offer real world advice and mentorship. The curriculum contains master classes, case studies, lectures, panels, workshops and roundtable networking sessions with seasoned professionals from all over Europe and the globe. Among those who have addressed the group is Mads Brugger, the Danish director of the IDFA opener THE AMBASSADOR, as well as Orly Ravid of The Film Collaborative and Peter Jager from Autlook Filmsales who discussed both traditional and evolving platforms for documentary distribution. There will also be various discussions on how documentaries can capture the imagination and support of the younger generation through web docs and more interactive formats that allow for social networking and interconnectivity. For more information, visit: www.idfa.nl

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