International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) 2026 – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Overview
The International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) is the world’s largest documentary film festival, annually transforming the Dutch capital into a global epicenter for creative non-fiction storytelling. Founded in 1988, the festival has built a reputation for its cutting-edge curation, showcasing documentaries that challenge perspectives and spark profound social dialogue. For eleven days, Amsterdam’s historic cinemas and cultural hubs become meeting points for thousands of filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts from around the globe.
IDFA is renowned for its diverse programming, which spans everything from traditional investigative journalism to experimental new media. The festival includes several prestigious competition categories, such as the International Competition and the Envision Competition, alongside the innovative IDFA DocLab, which explores the intersection of documentary and digital technology. Beyond the screenings, the event serves as a critical industry marketplace through the IDFA Forum and Docs for Sale, where future cinematic masterpieces are pitched, financed, and distributed.
In 2026, the festival marks its 39th edition, promising a comprehensive lineup of nearly 250 titles representing over 70 countries. The city-wide takeover includes major screenings at the iconic Eye Filmmuseum, Pathé Tuschinski, and the new Documentary Pavilion at Vondelpark. Whether you are a casual viewer or a seasoned professional, IDFA offers an unparalleled deep dive into the human experience through the lens of the world’s most talented documentarians.
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Event Highlights
- Global Film Premieres: Features over 250 documentaries, including world and international premieres that address the most pressing political and personal issues of our time.
- IDFA DocLab: A pioneering program dedicated to digital storytelling, virtual reality, and interactive media that redefines the boundaries of documentary art.
- Industry Forum & Market: A world-class hub for professionals to network, attend masterclasses, and participate in high-stakes pitching sessions for upcoming projects.
- Talks and Q&As: Offers audiences the unique chance to engage directly with directors and protagonists through post-screening discussions and in-depth seminars.
Why Attend
IDFA is the essential destination for anyone passionate about the power of real-life stories and the art of cinema. It provides a rare opportunity to see films that may never reach mainstream streaming platforms, offering a curated experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. For filmmakers and critics, it is the ultimate venue to gauge the current pulse of the industry and discover the next generation of visionary directors.
The festival is also a fantastic way to experience Amsterdam in a unique cultural context, away from the typical tourist trails. Attending the festival allows you to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant cinematic culture while connecting with an international community of thinkers and creators. Whether you are attending a glamorous gala premiere or an intimate underground screening, the energy of the festival is contagious and inspiring.
Date & Duration
- Dates: November 12 – November 22, 2026.
- Duration: 11 Days.
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets and passes are available primarily through the official IDFA website and at central festival box offices located throughout the city.
- Admission Type: Single screening tickets, day passes, and full festival industry badges are available to the public and professionals.
- Ticket Pricing: Single tickets typically range from $13 to $18, while specialized VIP or industry passes can cost up to $350.
- Price Range: Minimum $13 – Maximum $350.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: IDFA Friends and VriendenLoterij VIP holders receive significant discounts and priority booking windows for high-demand screenings.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Venue: Various locations including Eye Filmmuseum, Pathé Tuschinski, and Het Documentaire Paviljoen.
- Google Maps Address: Vondelpark 3, 1071 AA Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@idfa.nl
- Phone: +31 20 627 3329
- Website: www.idfa.nl
- Social Media:
- https://www.youtube.com/@IDFA
- https://www.instagram.com/idfafestival/
- https://www.facebook.com/idfa.nl/
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), 18 km from city center (~15 minutes by train).
- Public Transport: NS Train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Centraal ($6); GVB trams and metros for city-wide access ($4 per trip).
- Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis from Schiphol cost ~$60-$85; Uber and Bolt are widely available and typically more affordable.
- Parking: Limited city center parking; use P+R (Park and Ride) facilities like RAI or Sloterdijk (~$9/day including transit).
- Other Access: Free GVB ferries across the IJ River to reach North Amsterdam venues like the Eye Filmmuseum.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky (5-star, Dam Square, ~$350-550/night); Pulitzer Amsterdam (5-star, canal side, ~$400-650/night).
- Mid-Range Options: Park Plaza Victoria (4-star, near Central Station, ~$180-280/night); Eden Hotel Amsterdam (4-star, Rembrandtplein, ~$160-250/night).
- Budget Stays: Citybox Amsterdam South (Modern economy, ~$90-140/night); Stayokay Hostel Amsterdam Vondelpark (Budget, ~$40-90/night).
Attendee Experiences
- I watched a documentary in the stunning Pathé Tuschinski theater and it was the highlight of my entire year.
- The DocLab exhibition opened my eyes to how VR can be used to tell deeply moving human stories.
- Getting a student discount on tickets made it possible for me to see ten incredible films in one week.
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FAQ's
Can I attend the festival if I do not speak Dutch?
The vast majority of documentaries shown at IDFA are either in English or include English subtitles, making it highly accessible for international visitors. The festival's official website, program guides, and live introductions are also presented in English to accommodate its global audience. If a specific film is only subtitled in Dutch, this will be clearly marked in the program so you can plan accordingly.
How do I choose which films to watch from such a large program?
With nearly 250 films, the best approach is to browse the program by "Theme" or "Competition" on the IDFA website to find topics that interest you. The festival also provides daily tips and "Best of" selections to help guide attendees toward the most highly-rated or impactful documentaries. Booking tickets early for award-winners or gala screenings is recommended as these tend to sell out quickly.
Is it necessary to buy tickets in advance?
While some tickets may be available at the box office on the day of the screening, popular films and weekend sessions often sell out weeks in advance. It is strongly recommended to purchase your tickets online as soon as the box office opens in late October to secure your seat. For those who want more flexibility, buying a festival pass can provide better access to a variety of screenings.
Are the industry sessions open to the general public?
The IDFA Forum and certain professional workshops are exclusively reserved for individuals with an industry accreditation or specific professional badges. However, many masterclasses and "Talks" featuring world-famous filmmakers are open to the general public and can be attended with a standard ticket. Public visitors can also explore the DocLab exhibitions, which showcase the industry's most innovative new media projects.
What is the best way to get around between the different cinemas?
Most IDFA venues are located within the central canal ring and are easily reachable by foot or by using the city's efficient tram network. For venues located across the water, such as the Eye Filmmuseum, free ferries run every few minutes from the back of Amsterdam Centraal station. Renting a bicycle is also a popular and "local" way to move quickly between screenings during the busy festival schedule.
