STATUS: Systems all operational. Contact support@circkit.io if there are any issues.

Open beta

Upcoming deadlinesDeadlines

Denver Film Festival3 JulHeartland Film Festival5 JulAustin Film Festival8 JulInternational Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam9 JulInternational Izmir Short Film Festival10 JulKurzfilmtage Winterthur12 JulReel Pride13 JulCambridge Film Festival15 JulDenver Film Festival3 JulHeartland Film Festival5 JulAustin Film Festival8 JulInternational Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam9 JulInternational Izmir Short Film Festival10 JulKurzfilmtage Winterthur12 JulReel Pride13 JulCambridge Film Festival15 Jul

All festivals

Tier 1

International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Submission deadline: 9 July 2026
Premiere: European
Formats accepted: Shorts, Features, Documentaries, Animation, Experimental
Next edition: 2026

Official site Rules and regulations

Last verified 12 June 2026

About International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam

IDFA is an international documentary festival taking place from November 12-22, 2026 in Amsterdam.

Awards this festival can qualify you for

BAFTA Short · British Short Film
Acceptance into at least two BAFTA-qualifying festivals makes a British short eligible for the EE BAFTA British Short Film award.
BIFA Best Film · Best British Independent Film
In-person official selection at this BIFA Section A festival is sufficient (one Section A festival confers eligibility; the alternative is two Section B British festivals). No win required. Online-only screenings do not qualify. British independent film (BFI cultural test). 2026 window: 1 Nov 2025 to 30 Nov 2026.
BIFA Documentary · Best British Documentary
In-person official selection at this BIFA Section A festival qualifies a British independent documentary (BIFA docs use the same routes as features: one Section A festival, or two Section B British festivals). No win required. Online-only screenings do not qualify. 2026 window: 1 Nov 2025 to 30 Nov 2026.
BIFA Short · Best British Short Film
In-person official selection is sufficient; no win or competition placement required. BIFA Short Section A: one Section A festival confers eligibility. British production, under 40 minutes.
CSA Animated · Canadian Screen Award — Best Animated Short
Winning a Best-of / jury distinction at this CSA-eligible international festival qualifies a feature documentary or theatrical short for the Canadian Screen Awards.
CSA Doc Short · Canadian Screen Award — Best Documentary Short Film
Winning a Best-of / jury distinction at this CSA-eligible international festival qualifies a feature documentary or theatrical short for the Canadian Screen Awards.

International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam submission FAQ

When is the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam submission deadline?

The main submission deadline for International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam is around 9 July 2026. Confirmed for the current edition.

Does International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam require a premiere?

European. Protect your premiere status before you submit, as it is a one-time resource.

Where is International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam held?

International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam takes place in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Is International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam a scam, or is it legitimate?

International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam is a legitimate, established film festival: it is listed in Circkit's curated, human-vetted festival database, which deliberately excludes known scam festivals and certificate mills; it ranks among the upper tiers of the festival circuit. As with any festival, confirm the current deadline and fee on the official site before you pay. You can also run International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam through Circkit's free Scam Radar for an independent safety check.

Want an independent check? Run International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam through the free Scam Radar.

Is International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam right for your film?

Circkit scores this festival against your film, protects your premiere, and tracks the deadline for you. Free to start.

Build your festival strategy

CSA Feature Doc · Canadian Screen Award — Best Feature Length Documentary

Winning a Best-of / jury distinction at this CSA-eligible international festival qualifies a feature documentary or theatrical short for the Canadian Screen Awards.

CSA Short · Canadian Screen Award — Best Live Action Short Drama

Winning a Best-of / jury distinction at this CSA-eligible international festival qualifies a feature documentary or theatrical short for the Canadian Screen Awards.

Oscar Documentary Feature · Documentary Feature Film

Must win the IDFA Award for Feature-Length Documentary OR IDFA Audience Award. Then submit separately to Academy. One of the most targeted qualifying routes in Europe.

Oscar Documentary Short · Documentary Short Subject

Must win the IDFA Award for Best Short Documentary.