IBF Classic Program

The grant is intended to support creative, auteur documentary films. Documentary series, projects that are part of an educational program, and interactive media projects are not eligible.

Projects are submitted in two categories: “Project Development” (maximum amount €7,500) and “Production and Post-Production” (maximum amount €25,000).

In the “Project Development” category, the grant can be used for research, writing, filming, and creating visual material for the project presentation.

In the “Production and Post-Production” category, funds may cover all types of production and post-production, including filming, editing, and preparing the film for screening on large and small screens.

1) Ensure that you meet all requirements.

2) Create or log in to your MyIDFA account; in the “My Submissions” section, select the appropriate IDFA Bertha Fund form, fill in all sections, and submit it. All required fields and materials must be submitted by the deadline; the form can only be submitted once.

3) If you find any errors after submitting, please report them to idfaberthafund@idfa.nl.

4) Within 8 weeks after the deadline, the committee will conduct a preliminary selection; pre-selected projects will receive an extended form, which must be completed and returned within a week.

5) The final results will be announced approximately three months after the deadline.

- the strength and originality of the interpretation, the originality and relevance of the story, the director's vision and abilities, the financial feasibility of the project;

- quality of the documentary film's content; cinematographic qualities of the project; originality of the idea, theme, or perspective; importance of the theme; quality of the visual material provided; situation with documentary film production in the region or country; director's previous works.

A completed MyIDFA application form containing basic information about the project, a list of team members, a logline (up to 50 words), a synopsis (up to 400 words), project description (up to 1,500 words), statement of theme/motivation (up to 1,000 words), biographies and filmographies of directors and producers, information about the stage of the project, and work schedule.

Original audio or video material of the project (teaser or selected research materials) with English subtitles; photo presentations or materials from other sources that are only stylistic examples will not be accepted.

- One previous work by the director (if available);

- For the production stage: a trailer, demo, editing sequence, or other audio/video material lasting 3 to 20 minutes; for post-production: an edited sequence or a selection of rough cuts lasting approximately 20 minutes;

- All materials must be submitted via links (Vimeo, YouTube, etc.); links must be accessible without login and remain online for at least three months after the deadline;

- After the preliminary selection, applicants submit an additional form describing their fundraising strategy, detailed budget, financial plan, and information about what support the fund can provide.