IDFA 2026 kicks off at Royal Theater Carré  

The 39th edition of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam officially opened tonight at Royal Theatre Carré with the world premiere of White Tiger Column, directed by Robert Mentov, Dwight Jantzie and Bryan Dickie. The evening also welcomed this year’s Guest of Honour, filmmaker Tatiana Huezo.

In her opening speech, IDFA’s Artistic Director Isabel Arrate Fernandez reflected on the role of documentary cinema in a world where images, opinions and events follow one another at an ever-increasing pace. She spoke about the importance of taking time to look beyond the surface, make connections and embrace complexity rather than settling for simple answers. “An image, gesture or story created with awareness and care can invite us to look more closely and thoughtfully,” said Arrate Fernandez. “What we share and what we pay attention to can take root and help determine what grows from there.”

This idea also lies at the heart of the festival’s opening film. White Tiger Column follows a generation of young people in Myanmar who are standing up against oppression and dictatorship, fighting for a different future. The film asks what they are fighting for – and what they are willing to give up.

The Cultuurfonds Documentaire Stipendium was also presented on opening night. This year, the €50,000 award went to filmmaker Sabine Groenewegen, who received it from last year’s recipient, Lidija Zelovic. The jury praised Groenewegen for bringing fresh perspectives to history, identity and collective memory:

“By bringing together archaeological material, family history and contemporary research, Groenewegen not only reveals what is missing from the historical record, but also examines the mechanisms behind these omissions. In doing so, she makes an important contribution to the debate on colonial representation and historical awareness.”

Groenewegen’s latest film, The Clearing, is screening at this year’s IDFA.

Caspar Sonnen, head of DocLab, also marked a special milestone: the 20th anniversary of DocLab. In his speech, he highlighted a paradox: while games have the power to bring people together, gaming is increasingly becoming a solitary activity. To show what can happen when we play together, he invited the entire audience to take part in Hive Mind Pong, an interactive game by Lisa Mantel, Neander Giljam and Titouan Millet. Players have to coordinate their actions and work together as a group to play the game. It was a moment that brought his message to life: technology doesn’t have to isolate us; it can also bring us closer together. During the festival, you can play Hive Mind Pong at de Brakke Grond.

IDFA welcomes filmmaker Tatiana Huezo 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, moderated by IDFA’s Artistic Director, Isabel Arrate Fernandez, on Sunday November 15.

IDFA 2026 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 14 to 18.