November 14
IDFAcademy Opening Talk
Thursday November 14 - De Balie - 10:00 uur - 12:00 uur
IDFAcademy 2024 kicks off with an inspirational talk by accomplished filmmaker Sophie Fiennes, who uses different stylistic approaches to explore the ideas and vision of the subjects in her body of work. IDFA’s Artistic director Orwa Nyrabia will talk with her about the choices she makes and how these reflect on her longstanding dedication to the importance of culture and philosophy, as well as the political dimensions of these.
This is an invite only event. All Young Doc Members are personally invited by Meike Statema (Head of IDFA Talent Development).
Sophie Fiennes is at IDFA with her most recent film Acting in the program section Signed.
Opening Night
Thursday November 14 - Carre - 20:00 uur
The festival’s 37th edition celebrates the art of documentary film with nearly 300 selected titles. We look forward to experiencing the work of leading and up-and-coming filmmakers with you, as they push the boundaries of and interrogate the documentary film medium.
Opening Film
IDFA 2024 opens with a screening of the highly anticipated film About a Hero from filmmaker Piotr Winiewicz. After a local factory worker named Dorem Clery dies under mysterious circumstances, Werner Herzog travels to Getunkirchenburg to investigate his perplexing death. But Herzog, our narrator, is not who he seems, and the film is not what we expect… In a tantalizing experiment, Winiewicz trained an AI system on Herzog’s oeuvre and asked it to generate a screenplay. The result is a disturbing search for the soul—of human beings and of creative work.
As is tradition, the evening will begin with words of welcome by our Artistic Director Orwa Nyrabia, followed by the announcement of this year’s recipient of the Cultuurfonds Documentary Stipend. Joining us will be a vibrant mix of Dutch and international filmmakers, broadcasters, industry partners, and our cherished donors—all brought together to celebrate and support the transformative power of documentary. The atmosphere will be lively yet relaxed, with the dress code simply: come as you are.
Following the world premiere of About a Hero, we invite you to stay for opening night drinks, where we’ll raise a glass to IDFA 2024. The festival’s 37th edition celebrates the art of documentary film with nearly 300 selected titles. We look forward to experiencing the work of leading and up-and-coming filmmakers with you, as they push the boundaries of and interrogate the documentary film medium.
This is an invite only event. All Young Doc Members have received a personal invitation.