IDFA 2025 kicks off at Koninklijk Theater Carré  

IDFA 2025 opened with a selection of three outstanding short films: As I Lay Dying by Mohammadreza Farzad and Pegah Ahangarani, Intersecting Memory by Shayma' Awawdeh, and happiness by Firat Yücel.

"Tonight's three films are an anatomy of protest. How does protest become almost a part of your identity? What sparks the moment of uprising that leads to revolution? And finally, how can we understand and feel its impact, its aftermath and the fading of the fire? That is how I see this evening – as a journey through a revolution in three completely different forms," said Isabel Arrate Fernandez, Artistic Director.

During the opening night, the Cultuurfonds Documentaire Stipendium was also awarded. This year, the €50,000 prize went to filmmaker Lidija Zelovic, including her award-winning film Home Game which premiered in the International Competition at IDFA 2024. In it, she draws a striking parallel between populist politics in the former Yugoslavia and current tensions in the Netherlands. Supported by an anonymous benefactor, the stipend provides documentary makers with the opportunity to create new work. Zelovic received the award from last year’s recipient, Festus Toll.

Photography Coen Dijkstra

IDFA welcomes the filmmaker, curator, and academic Susana de Sousa Dias as Guest of Honor this edition, celebrating her work with an extensive Retrospective and a personally curated Top 10 selection. Don't miss the Guest of Honor Talk with Susana de Sousa Dias, moderated by IDFA’s Artistic Director, Isabel Arrate Fernandez, on Sunday November 16.

IDFA 2025 is official open. Explore the extensive program of films, new media works, and talks below.

The Industry Program additionally welcomes over 2,500 films professionals from November 15 to 19.