Professional support and network
Film still: Cutting through Rocks, dir. Sara Khaki, Mohammadreza Eyni
The Fund is committed to connecting supported filmmakers with its extensive network within the international film industry, both in IBF-supported regions and globally, to create more opportunities for the realization of their projects. One key way to expand filmmakers' networks and deepen their understanding of the documentary industry is by inviting them to IDFA’s festival each November and facilitating their participation in IDFA’s Markets.
Networking and promoting at IDFA
During the 2025 festival, 40 IBF-supported directors, producers, and co-producers expanded their networks and deepened their knowledge through a variety of activities, including film screenings, Filmmaker Talks, the IDFA Forum, Docs for Sale, and the Industry Program.
IDFA Program
16 IBF-supported films in the program Total audience number of 17,509
IBF @ IDFA Program
Sixteen films realized with the support of the IDFA Bertha Fund made it into the official festival selection, including five that celebrated their world or international premiere. The ten films, selected for the Best of Fests section, had their world premieres at prestigious film festivals such as the Berlinale, Cannes, Visions du Réel, and Venice Film Festival.
Almost all filmmakers were able to attend the screenings of their films, creating valuable opportunities for direct engagement with the audience through Q&A sessions and in-depth conversations during Talks.
The presence of filmmakers at the festival is crucial, not only for connecting directly with the audience but also for engaging with industry professionals, potential distributors, and collaborators. Being there allows filmmakers to highlight the pressing issues addressed in their films, share insights about their work and enhance their visibility in an international context. This personal engagement fosters awareness and builds partnerships, which can open doors to future opportunities in the film industry and distribution.
IBF @ IDFA Markets
In 2025, five projects supported by the Fund were selected to participate in the IDFA Forum, IDFA's landmark international co-production and co-financing market. Among these, two projects were selected for the Forum Pitch, one was showcased during the Rough Cut Presentations, and two teams of IBF-supported projects was selected for the Producers Connection.
In addition to presenting to a curated audience of industry professionals from around the world, the six IBF-supported projects had the opportunity to engage in 76 one-on-one meetings with potential funders, co-producers, sales agents, and distributors. The IDFA Bertha Fund provided financial support to facilitate the participation of these projects in the Forum.
Moreover, 22 films were featured at Docs for Sale, IDFA's distribution incubator and sales market, where they were showcased to distributors, TV buyers, festival programmers, and other industry professionals seeking promising creative documentary films.
IDFA Forum
5 projects at IDFA Forum
taking part in 76 one-on-one meetings
IDFA Docs for Sale
22 films in IDFA's Docs for Sale
Distribution of IBF-supported films around the world
In 2025, 59 IBF-supported films were screened worldwide, premiering at international festivals and appearing on television and streaming platforms. Receiving international recognition, these films earned a variety of awards, reaching audiences not only through traditional theatrical distribution but also through grassroots screenings.
Many of these films also found an audience in their production countries through local festivals, cinemas, television broadcasts, and streaming platforms. Alternative distribution methods play a key role, with screenings held in community spaces, universities, embassies, and at impact events.
To further increase the visibility within IBF-supported countries, the Fund continues to provide financial support for distribution and promotion. This initiative aims not only to strengthen the films' world premieres but, crucially, to assist filmmakers in bringing their work back to their home countries, fostering connections with local audiences. This focus on distribution within the country of production is a vital step in supporting the growth of documentary industries in IBF-focus countries and encouraging stronger engagement between films and local communities.
Film still: Under the Flags, the Sun, dir. Juanjo Pereira
At film festivals
59 IBF-supported films screened worldwide
with 1,106 film festival selections
where they won 207 awards
In cinemas, on TV, VOD or other releases
37% had theatrical distribution
49% sold rights to TV or VOD platforms
80% used alternative distribution
Distribution within country of production
75% screened locally,
at 150 local festivals
24% in local cinemas
25% sold to local TV/VOD platforms
51% via alternative distribution
Film still: Redlight to Limelight, dir. Bipuljit Basu
"'In the last eight months, Redlight to Limelight has moved from premiering at the world’s most prestigious film festivals to shaping public opinion by positioning the sex worker community as a recognized filmmaking entity. We initiated a campaign to raise funds from every screenings for community development, ensuring that the film’s impact extends beyond the screen. Meanwhile, the filmmaking collective ( CAM ON Team, the sex workers film collective) has already advanced to its next milestone, collaborating on director Bipuljit Basu’s upcoming India–Netherlands co-production behind the camera as a Line Producer, marking a significant step in sustaining their skills in non-fiction filmmaking and creative journey.'" - Redlight to Limelight distribution report 2025