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Apply Now: IBF Classic – Project Development Grant Program

Deadline: 10-Feb-2026

The International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) is inviting applications for its Project Development Grant Program, designed to support filmmakers from and based in countries on the IBF Classic Country List in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Oceania.

Grant Overview

  • Purpose: Support directors in research, writing, or production of visual materials to strengthen their project presentations and overall role in production.

  • Maximum Funding: €7,500 per project.

  • Eligible Applicants: Directors from IBF Classic Country List countries, currently living and working in their country of nationality. All directors attached to a project must meet this criterion.

Eligibility and Conditions

  • Projects must align with IDFA’s mission statement.

  • Documentary series, films part of a study curriculum, or immersive/interactive media projects are not eligible.

  • Projects from Bahrain, Hong Kong, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and UAE are only considered if they address political or human rights topics within the country.

  • Applications must be submitted by the director, and each project may only be entered once per category, except for re-entries from the Production & Post-production category when all filming is complete and a rough cut is available.

  • Selected funding must be spent in a country on the IBF Classic Country List and used only for expenses incurred after the final selection date (~3 months post-deadline).

  • The grant cannot be combined with funding from the Hubert Bals Fund.

Application Requirements

  • Entry Form: Must be completed in English. Applicants from certain Francophone countries (e.g., Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, etc.) may submit in French.

  • Deadline: February 10, 2026, by 23:59 local time of the applicant. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Focus and Use of Funds

  • The grant supports the director’s creative development, strengthening their position in the project’s overall financing and production plan.

  • Funds can be used for project development, including research, writing, and preparation of visual material for project presentation.

Conclusion

The IDFA Project Development Grant provides filmmakers from IBF Classic countries with crucial support to advance their documentary projects, strengthen their directorial role, and develop high-quality presentations for future production and funding opportunities. It’s an essential stepping stone for directors aiming to create compelling, socially relevant, and professionally executed documentaries.

For more information, visit IDFA.