Human downfall after opulence, the primeval forces at war and contemplating the erotic are some of the topics of the Danish films selected for IDFA, International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (17-28 November), the most important meeting place for directors, producers and investors of documentary film.
International interest in Danish documentary film has increased dramatically during the last few years. At the turn of the millennium, there were three to five films selected annually for IDFA. This grew to 10 by the end of the decade.
In 2001 Sami Saif and Phie Ambo's 'Family' won the top award, and the same honour was swept up by Pernille Rose Grønkjær for 'The Monastery' in 2006 and again in 2009, this time by Anders Høgsbro Østergaard for 'Burma VJ'. See the full overview of Danish films selected and awards received.
Danes in the limelight at IDFA
Janus Metz, director of 'Armadillo' is invited to take the floor at one of IDFA's talk shows taking place daily at 19:45 to 21:00. Metz will be on stage Friday 19 November.
Another international name participating in the IDFA Talk Show is Danish Bjørn Lomborg, the controversial scientist, who will be a guest on Monday 22 November. He is protagonist in the US produced film 'Cool It'. He will discuss the different approaches in the climate debate and in regard to this, the role of the filmmaker.
The nominations of the competition programmes will take place on IDFA Talk Show 24 November. All Talk Shows will be streamed live at idfa.nl and hollanddoc.nl
The awards ceremony is set for Friday 26 November, 16:00-18:00.