IDFA 2021

“Returning to cinemas, in my view, is an act of resistance,” Orwa Nyrabia tells BDE ahead of an IDFA that may be presented with a greater degree of sobriety in 2021, but with no less ambition and vigour. “The challenge is that we all come together and share the responsibility, prove together that a film festival can be a serious collective experience, and be safe and healthy, at the same time. That said, being ‘healthy’ is not only a matter of not catching a virus, but also a mental, cultural, political, and philosophical question, and even more so during a pandemic.”

An intriguing, mesmerising and illuminating one-man rollercoaster ride in which German actor Ben Becker ‘plays’ acclaimed contemporary artist Albert Oehlen engaging in, struggling with and expounding on, the process of abstract art creation.

“We are delighted to share that the festival continues in person next week, and cinemas remain open,” the festival stated late November 12, following measures laid out by the Dutch government. “We can confidently announce that from November 17 to 28, all films, talks, and performances will go on in full, with the utmost health and safety measures in effect.”

IDFA's Artistic Director Orwa Nyrabia also revealed selections for the main competitive sections; International and Envision Competitions, and IDFA DocLab Competitions for Immersive Non-Fiction and Digital Storytelling. Also cross section awards and 10 projects selected for the non-competitive IDFA DocLab Spotlight. The festival line-up comprises 264 titles.

With Luminous and Frontlight sections comprised mainly of world prems, the fest also presents first competition selections within Short and Youth Doc Competitions. IDFA also announces titles in its interdisciplinary program IDFA on Stage, chief among them the world premiere of the newly restored Dziga Vertov film The History of the Civil War (pictured). The 34th edition of IDFA takes place November 17-28.