IDFA 2020

It makes you feel like you’re part of this brave and energetic movement, modern day heroes, fighting repression with little more than their innate intelligence and an overpowering sense of (in)justice.

A journey into the mind of a paedophile, shining a light on an immense taboo and into the tortured soul of a broken young man.

Filming only from his Zurich window, Swiss director Thomas Imbach inventively combines imagery of the demolition of an old, much-loved railway station, and the subsequent construction of a large prison and police centre, with reflections on the loss of loved-ones and the harsh treatment of newly arrived migrants.

A delicate and understated film that may change perspectives on the fine art of nude dancing.

A lyrical and intimate film that both celebrates and mourns an increasingly disappearing way of life.

Who benefits in the art world? And at what cost? A film that asks plenty of questions and astutely comes up with some viable answers.

Interlaced with no frills interviews we see in 100 UP the daily lives of seven centenarians with quite extraordinary life stories.

No, the Scottish Documentary Institute (SDI) won’t be holding their usual soirée during IDFA at which it plies festival guests with wee drams of whisky. Covid restrictions have meant that SDI representatives, like other international industry delegates, can’t be in Amsterdam in person.

Music doc Phil Lynott: Songs For While I'm Away premiered in the UK recently to considerable acclaim at Alexandra Palace as part of the Doc N Roll music documentary festival. However, the film’s theatrical life in the UK has been hampered by the COVID lockdown.

“In established power structures, there are many people who abuse their power willingly and for their own benefit, and also at least as many people who know about it and silently tolerate it.” Alison Kuhn talks to BDE about The Case You, her documentary response to a horrific experience.