IDFA Bertha Fund backs twelve projects through IBF Classic 2026

Through the IBF Classic scheme, the IDFA Bertha Fund collaborates with independent documentary filmmakers from countries across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Oceania, where access to funding, and distribution for independent creative production infrastructure remains structurally challenging.

The 2026 selection moves between intimate stories and collective histories: a Palestinian daughter reconstructing her mother’s life through destroyed archives; sisters joining Myanmar’s armed resistance against the military dictatorship; four brothers growing up under the shadow of war in Yemen. Several selected projects are rooted in contexts of war, censorship, displacement, or political upheaval, while others examine how these realities reverberate through family life, memory, and personal identity.

The latest selection includes filmmakers developing their first feature-length documentary films alongside directors continuing long-term artistic practices. With eight first features selected this round, the Fund continues to invest in filmmakers at an early stage of building sustainable independent practices. The selection spans production in Puerto Rico, Jordan, Malaysia, Guatemala, Myanmar, Cuba, Yemen, Hong Kong, Lebanon, Democratic Republic of Congo and Palestine.

The IBF Classic selection also highlights the fragile conditions under which many independent filmmakers continue to work. Two selected projects remain anonymous due to security concerns—a reflection of the conditions under which independent documentary filmmaking increasingly takes place.

The IDFA Bertha Fund (IBF) is dedicated to strengthening independent, author-driven documentary filmmaking in regions and communities where access to funding and distribution for independent creative documentary film is structurally challenging. Since 1998, IBF Classic has supported filmmakers across these regions at every stage, from early development through post-production. Selected filmmakers also receive tailored guidance from IDFA's Filmmaker Support department. You can find the collection of IDFA Bertha Fund supported films over the years here.

The IDFA Bertha Fund would like to thank the many international professionals that dedicated their time and expertise to the IBF Classic 2026 selection process.

Gugi Gumilang, Laura Horwitz, María Campaña Ramia, Mohamed Ouma, Selin Murat.

Alexandra Galvis, Armi Rae Cacanindin, Elena Christopoulou, Hawa Essuman, Ileana Stanculescu, Joost Daamen, Jorge Caballero, Jos Motshagen, Khalid Shamis, Laura van Halsema, Laurien van Houten, María Campaña Ramia, Marina Burić, Mélanie de Vocht, Mohanad Yaqubi, Moustapha Sawadogo, Oleksandra Kravchenko, Paula Ossandón, Rodolfo Castillo-Morales, Salomé Jashi, Sarah Dawson, Selin Murat, Sona Jo, Susan Mbogo, Tiny Mungwe, Varadila Nurdin, Zdenek Blaha, Zeynep Güzel.

The dates for the next round of IBF Classic applications have yet to be announced, but the call is expected to open in early 2027. Read more about the funds, deadlines, and applications here.

The IDFA Bertha Fund is supported by Bertha Foundation, Creative Europe Media, JustFilms / Ford Foundation, Netherlands Film Fund, and Special Friends+.

[Film still: I Also Want to Resign by Uni Marie]