The Visual Voice: 30 years of IDFA and farewell to Ally Derks

Derks

The International Documentary Film Festival (IDFA) is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary with three days of film and festivities in De Balie, the Amsterdam venue where it all began.

On 18, 19, 20 and 21 November, eighteen of the world’s most influential documentary makers will introduce documentaries that have changed the way they look at the genre, and at life.

As well as celebrating thirty years of the festival, the program is also a parting gift for IDFA co-founder and festival director Ally Derks, who after thirty years is bidding a festive farewell to IDFA.

The directors are Pirjo Honkasalo, Kim Longinotto, Nick Broomfield, Jørgen Leth, The Yes Men, Maziar Bahari, Heddy Honigmann, John Appel, Hubert Sauper, D.A. Pennebaker & Chris Hegedus, Heidi Ewing & Rachel Grady, Frederick Wiseman, Steve James, Victor Kossakovsky and Nishtha Jain.

These undisputed documentary masters will not only introduce the films they have chosen, but on 18 November will also take part in a six-hour marathon discussion, along with many other guests and film clips, in search of the future of the documentary in an ever-changing world.

The 30th IDFA takes place from 15 through 26 November 2017.