Organization

The size of the IDFA team fluid, with 68.6 FTE in 2024 (compared to 70.5 FTE in 2023 and 63 FTE in 2022). Alongside a core staff of permanent employees (23.5 FTE) and those on temporary contracts (24.3 FTE), the organization expands in the run-up to the festival with freelancers (20.8 FTE), interns (3.2 FTE), and 493 volunteers.

Internationalization and workforce diversification remain key priorities at IDFA. Our HR policy is focused on building a strong, diverse team and fostering a safe working environment where everyone can excel and contribute from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. 

To strengthen social safety, we refined and shared our Code of Conduct in 2024. There are two confidential advisors within IDFA, and one external confidential advisor. The Fair Practice Code is applied within IDFA’s employee policy. In addition to fair financial compensation and transparency, this also concerns involving the team with the development of the organization (policy and annual plans), preserving knowledge by maintaining more sustainable work relationships, establishing work processes, and conducting evaluations with employees.  

Diversity and inclusion remain focal points. Over the past year, IDFA has worked to diversify its Supervisory Board, management, staff, selection committees, and team of scouts. During recruitment, diversity is actively considered: IDFA consults on inclusive job descriptions, has developed a style guide for inclusive communication, and implements an onboarding program for new employees. 

Employee development is also a priority. Staff members have access to a personal training budget and annual workshops are provided, including public speaking, language courses, time management, and job application skills. Additionally, IDFA provides a gym membership and film-related workshops for volunteers and contract staff, led by Artistic Director Orwa Nyrabia. 

As the organization continues to grow, the staff representation was formally transitioned into a works council in 2024. In collaboration with other film festivals and under the guidance of Platform ACCT, IDFA developed the Werkcode Filmfestivals (‘Film Festival Work Code’), which includes a standardized salary framework, a freelancer rate conversion tool, secondary employment benefits, and a coordinated training policy. From 2026 onward, IDFA will officially adopt these collective remuneration guidelines. 

To streamline operations and strengthen governance, the foundations IDFA and IDFA Bertha Fund were consolidated under a single Supervisory Board, chaired by Marry de Gaay Fortman. Orwa Nyrabia and Cees van 't Hullenaar serve as Artistic and Managing Directors, respectively. Nyrabia announced his departure as of July 1, 2025, following two successful terms, with IDFA set to begin the search for his successor in early 2025. Isabel Arrate Fernandez and Jan Sirag serve as Deputy Directors. Arrate Fernandez led the IDFA Bertha Fund in 2024 and was succeeded by Selin Murat as of January 1, 2025.

The Supervisory Board consists of six members and convenes at least four times per year with the executive board. The audit committee reviews the budget, the remuneration committee conducts performance evaluations with the executive team, and the strategy committee oversees programming and positioning. In 2024, the Supervisory Board played an active role in shaping the 2025–2028 policy plan.

Three changes took place within the Supervisory Board in 2024: Ramsey Nasr stepped down, trainee Orçun Ersungur joined, and Sandra den Hamer temporarily stepped back due to her interim directorship at the Netherlands Film Fund. The remaining members are Femke van der Laan, Henk Siebren de Jong, Julia Noordegraaf, and Michael Kembel. Supervisory Board members do not receive financial compensation, and the maximum term of office is two periods of four years.

The executive board meets weekly, as does the management team with all the department heads. Each department develops a year plan, which is shared across the organization and monitored throughout the year. Key focus areas remain the enhancement of artistic quality, diversification of programming, partnerships, and audiences, attracting younger audiences, and increasing revenue from ticket sales. In 2024, IDFA further refined its Code of Conduct, emergency response plan, and crisis protocol.

With the 2025–2028 policy plan, IDFA has redefined its social mission, vision, and core values. While the festival remains central, the growth of year-round activities—such as talent development, the IDFA Bertha Fund, and education—alongside the opening of Het Documentaire Paviljoen, calls for adjustments in the organizational structure and workflows.