During a press conference earlier today, the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) unveiled its full slate for its upcoming 36th edition, which runs from 8 to 19 November. The festival will open with the world premiere of A Picture to Remember by Ukrainian filmmaker #Olga Chernykh#. The deeply personal, essay-style film explores the ongoing war in Ukraine through the lens of three generations: Chernykh herself, her mother, and her grandmother. Using a medley of old family films, recorded conversations, and news reports, Chernykh offers a multi-layered, intimate portrayal of life in contemporary Ukraine. The film has also been selected for the festival’s Envision Competition. Orwa Nyrabia, IDFA’s Artistic Director #Orwa Nyrabia#, lauded the film as«both personal and political,» noting that its courage and originality made it an ideal representation of IDFA’s core values.
The International Competition will showcase 11 films from 17 different countries, primarily focusing on contemporary global conflicts and social issues. Among the selected titles, nine will make their world or international premieres at the festival. Notable films include 1489 directed by Shoghakat Vardanyan from Armenia, The Clinic by Midi Z from Taiwan/Myanmar, and Life Is Beautiful by Mohamed Jabaly from Norway/Palestine. These films traverse various topics, from the conflict zones of Gaza and Myanmar to the unfolding climate crisis, offering a rich tapestry of narratives that re-examine history and draw attention to our rapidly changing world.
Additionally, the Envision Competition is set to feature 12 films that push the boundaries of traditional documentary filmmaking. Noteworthy films in this category include La cancha directed by Mustafa Uzuner from Canada, Damnatio Memoriae by Thunska Pansittivorakul from Thailand/Germany, and The Wasp and the Orchid directed by Saber Zammouri from Tunisia. These films deviate from established documentary structures to forge new cinematic languages, each informed by unique emotions, aesthetics, and ethics.
Today’s announcements finalize the festival’s official selection, which boasts over 250 titles. With its expansive and diverse lineup, the 36th edition of IDFA promises to be an engaging, thought-provoking event for documentary film enthusiasts.
