Applications open for the IBF Classic Funding Scheme

The IBF Classic Funding Scheme provides grants of up to €25,000 to support documentary filmmakers at development, production, and post-production stages. Managed by the IDFA Bertha Fund, the scheme prioritizes strong directorial vision, urgent storytelling, and projects from eligible IBF Classic countries.

Programme Overview

The IBF Classic Funding Scheme, part of the IDFA Bertha Fund, supports creative documentary projects at different stages of completion. The scheme is designed to strengthen the role of the director, enable high-quality storytelling, and support documentaries aligned with IDFA’s mission. Funding is available for both early-stage development and later-stage production or post-production.

Funding Categories Explained

Project Development

Project Development funding supports directors during the research phase, script development, and/or the creation of visual material such as teasers or pilots. The maximum grant per project is €7,500. This contribution is considered the director’s financial stake in the project and must be submitted by the director. Original audiovisual material from the project is mandatory, with a minimum length of two minutes, reflecting the intended style and vision of the documentary.

Production & Post-production

Production & Post-production funding supports the realization and completion of documentary films. The maximum contribution per project is €25,000. Funds may be used for filming, editing, sound, finishing, and preparing the film for cinema, television, or digital screening. Applications can be submitted by either the director or the producer, depending on the project structure.

Who Is Eligible?

All directors attached to the project must hold the nationality of a country listed on the IBF Classic Country List and must live and work in one of those countries. Projects from Bahrain, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates are only eligible if they address political or human rights-related topics within those countries. Documentary series, student films, immersive or interactive media projects, and projects that are part of an academic curriculum are not eligible.

Project Entry Rules

Each project may be entered only once per category. The only exception applies to Production & Post-production applications that were previously rejected during production and are re-entered at the post-production stage with a rough cut available. A project may first apply for Project Development and later apply for Production or Post-production, regardless of whether the development application was successful.

Language and Spending Requirements

All application forms must be completed in English, with French accepted for applicants from specific eligible countries. If selected, the IBF Classic contribution must be spent in a country listed on the IBF Classic Country List. The grant cannot be combined with funding from IFFR’s Hubert Bals Fund and may only be used for expenses incurred after the final selection date, which is approximately three months after the application deadline.

Audiovisual Material Requirements

For Project Development

Applicants must submit original project material of at least two minutes, showcasing the style and approach of the documentary. English subtitles are required. If available, a previous work by the director must also be included. All materials must be shared via an online link that remains accessible for at least three months after the deadline.

For Production & Post-production

Projects in production must submit audiovisual material ranging from three to twenty minutes. Projects in post-production must submit an edited sequence or a rough cut of approximately twenty minutes. All submitted material must include English subtitles and remain accessible online for at least three months after the deadline.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the MyIDFA online platform. Applicants must provide a complete project file, including a logline, synopsis, project description, topic summary or director’s motivation, biographies and filmographies of the director and producer, project timeline, and links to audiovisual material. Development applications must also include a clear implementation plan explaining how the research or teaser production will be carried out.

Selection Process

All applications are first reviewed by a pre-selection committee. Applicants are informed within approximately eight weeks if their project is pre-selected. Pre-selected projects are then required to submit a more detailed application, including a full budget, financing plan, and production schedule. Final selection results are announced within three months after the application deadline.

Evaluation Criteria

Projects are assessed based on the strength and originality of the treatment, the urgency and relevance of the story, the artistic vision and capability of the director, and the financial feasibility of the overall production plan.

Obligations of Selected Projects

In return for financial support, selected projects must acknowledge the IBF Classic contribution by displaying the IDFA Bertha Fund logo on the final film and all promotional materials. The fund also requests the Benelux premiere of the documentary and the right to screen the film at agreed non-commercial IDFA-related events in the Benelux region.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applications are often rejected due to incomplete forms, missing audiovisual material, expired links, or ineligible project types. Submitting material without English subtitles or attempting to combine IBF Classic funding with Hubert Bals Fund support will also result in disqualification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply at both development and production stages?
Yes. A project can apply for Project Development and later apply for Production or Post-production, regardless of the outcome of the first application.
Who must submit the application?
Development applications must be submitted by the director, while Production & Post-production applications can be submitted by the director or producer.
Can the grant be used immediately after submission?
No. Funds may only be used for costs incurred after the final selection date.
Are documentary series eligible?
No. Documentary series and interactive or immersive projects are not eligible.
Is original footage mandatory?
Yes. All applications require original audiovisual material that reflects the project’s style and vision.
Can I submit more than one application per category?
No. Only one entry per project per category is allowed, with limited exceptions at post-production stage.

Conclusion

The IBF Classic Funding Scheme is a key international funding opportunity for documentary filmmakers seeking support at critical stages of development and completion. By combining financial assistance with strong curatorial standards and international exposure through IDFA, the fund helps bring urgent, original documentary stories to global audiences.