IDFA Industry Head Says Docs Like ‘Musk’ and ‘NAZA’ Signal That Audiences Want ‘Timely’ Films: They Offer ‘Something They Feel They Have to Know’

Nov 12, 2026 7:48am PT IDFA Industry Head Says Docs Like ‘Musk’ and ‘NAZA’ Signal That Audiences Want ‘Timely’ Films: They Offer ‘Something They Feel They Have to Know’

Adriek van Nieuwenhuyzen also spoke about the format changes at this year's Forum, which will split projects into Forum Pitches and Roundtable Presentations for a wider variety of feedback

By Rafa Sales Ross

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Rafa Sales Ross

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Adriek van Nieuwenhuyzen has been the head of industry at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) for almost 20 years. Having selected thousands of projects for the festival’s renowned co-production and co-financing market, the Forum, she acquired a great understanding of what documentary audiences are looking for. According to the veteran, people currently want to see “timely” issues on screen, and to be informed of what is happening in an increasingly chaotic geopolitical landscape.

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