by Carlotta Casamassima
From November 18th to the 29th, Amsterdam will host the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA)’s 28th edition. What began in 1988 as a small gathering, has rapidly grown to become the largest international documentary film. Its dazzling atmosphere, the international films and a great variety of genres make it a unique event.
Unique also for the presence of more than 600 volunteers who will work for IDFA this year: they are the heart of the festival and the cornerstone in helping the over 2.500 special guests.
Tonight, November 18th, IDFA will open its doors to the public with a screening of the autobiographical documentary A Family Affair, by Dutch director Tom Fassaert. The Netherlands will compete with 50 documentaries (while Italy’s production counts 7 films, including 3 collaborations with USA, Switzerland, Austria and Sweden).
Events, debates, panel discussions and workshops will be hosted at IDFA, alongside with 80 world and European premieres and more than 300 documentaries from different countries. And some appointments cannot be missed: the VPRO Premiere taking place in picturesque Pathè Tuschinski on Thursday 19th, the Movies That Matter-day on Sunday 22nd, the IDFA Queer Day in Pathè De Munt on Monday 23rd and the Audience Awards, which will take place in Melkweg on Wednesday 25th, while the winners will be announced on the last Friday of the festival.
+31mag.nl will be there and we will also write a little bit from the “other side” of the screen, what about you?
