IDFA Forum 2026 Selects 47 Projects for Co-Production Market

The International Documentary Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) has announced the selection of 47 projects for its 2026 IDFA Forum, a key co-production and co-financing market for documentary filmmakers. This year's selection was drawn from nearly 900 submissions, highlighting a competitive landscape for securing essential funding and partnerships. The chosen projects represent a diverse range of stages, from early development and active production to nearing completion, offering a comprehensive overview of current documentary filmmaking trends.

The IDFA Forum 2026 will feature these projects across several distinct presentation formats designed to facilitate industry engagement. The Forum Pitches will provide concise overviews of projects seeking investment. Roundtable Presentations will offer more in-depth discussions with potential co-producers and financiers. Rough Cut Presentations will showcase works in progress, allowing for feedback and final production support. A new addition for this year is the IDFA DocLab Forum, specifically dedicated to new media projects, underscoring the festival's commitment to innovative and interactive documentary forms.

Notable filmmakers whose projects have been selected include Wang Bing, known for his immersive and often lengthy explorations of Chinese society; Rachael Leah Jones, whose work frequently examines social justice issues; Vitaly Mansky, a Russian director recognized for his critical documentaries on contemporary Russia; Juanjo Pereira; and Liang Zhao. The inclusion of these established and emerging voices signals a strong curation focused on artistic merit and potential impact. The festival aims to connect these filmmakers with a global network of financiers, broadcasters, distributors, and other industry professionals, fostering collaborations that can bring ambitious documentary visions to fruition.

The IDFA Forum serves as a crucial platform for the international documentary community, providing a vital space for networking and deal-making. By bringing together a curated selection of projects with key decision-makers, IDFA facilitates the financing and distribution of films that might otherwise struggle to find support. The festival's emphasis on diverse storytelling and innovative approaches, particularly with the inclusion of the DocLab Forum, reflects the evolving nature of documentary filmmaking in the digital age. The 47 selected projects will undergo rigorous evaluation and pitching processes throughout the event, with the goal of securing the necessary resources to complete and distribute their films to audiences worldwide.