IDFA Forum selects 47 projects for co-production market
The Amsterdam documentary market is refreshing its presentation formats for projects in development, production and post-production.
Translated from Dutch by AI
IDFA Forum has selected 47 projects from 859 submissions for its 2026 edition. This year, the co-production and co-financing market is once again presenting the projects through pitches, roundtable presentations, rough cuts and the DocLab Forum.
The 34th edition of IDFA Forum takes place from 15 to 18 November in Amsterdam. The selection includes projects at various production stages, from development and production to almost completed documentaries. Immersive and interactive projects are also part of the programme.
According to Business Doc Europe, the 47 projects were chosen from 859 submissions, following assessment by 42 external experts. IDFA presents the selection as a tool for financing, co-production and international distribution. The market is thereby aimed at producers, broadcasters, funds, sales agencies, distributors and other potential partners.
The presentation formats are adapted to a project’s stage and financing needs. Forum Pitches are intended to provide broad visibility. Roundtable Presentations offer a smaller-scale conversation with professionals. Rough Cut Presentations show material from projects that are further advanced in production or editing.
The DocLab Forum covers projects that combine documentary with, among other things, XR, interactive media, installations or live formats. IDFA does not position this as a separate technology market, but as part of a broader documentary practice in which makers seek financing and creative partners.
The morning pitches are moving to DeLaMar Theater. The roundtable discussions will take place at De Balie, rough cuts will be screened at Pathé City and one-to-one meetings will be held at Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam. According to IDFA, concentrating activities around Leidseplein should reduce the distance between presentations and business meetings.
Producers Connection is also changing. The section will no longer be presented as an independent programme, but will be integrated into the Forum where relevant. The organisation is thereby placing greater emphasis on a direct link between project stage, financing needs and interlocutor.
For independent producers, 10 October is the deadline for Observer accreditation. The market remains strictly focused on professionals; participation does not automatically guarantee access, as applications are selected. The changes primarily indicate that IDFA wants to align its market function more closely with a fragmented financing landscape.
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The selection of 47 projects, the submission figures, dates and presentation formats have been confirmed by IDFA and an independent trade publication. Interpretations of the commercial benefit have been phrased as expectations.
- Confirmed IDFA Forum selected 47 projects from 859 submissions. — Business Doc Europe mentions both figures.
- Confirmed IDFA Forum takes place from 15 to 18 November 2026. — IDFA’s official participant information lists these dates.
- Confirmed The pitches are moving to DeLaMar and Producers Connection is being integrated. — IDFA Professionals describes both changes.
- Confirmed The market focuses on financing, co-production and distribution. — This is stated in the official description of IDFA Forum.
Editor’s note
The numbers, dates, locations and new presentation formats have been confirmed by IDFA and Business Doc Europe. The commercial benefit of the new structure can only be assessed after the market.Sources
- IDFA Forum 2026 unveils 47 projects, revises presentation structure — Business Doc Europe
- Attend IDFA Forum — IDFA Professionals
- About IDFA Forum — IDFA Professionals