Education
Watching documentary films can help school children broaden their horizons—to learn to empathize with the experiences and perspectives of others, to become active citizens, and to develop critical thinking skills. This is of great importance in a media-dominated society. That is why education is one of IDFA’s pillars.
The educational activities reach a wide, young, and diverse audience. The program consists of school screenings, various workshops, and Docschool Online. Docschool Online offers free and unlimited access to over 100 documentary films, organized by theme and age group, and teaching materials for teachers and their students. IDFA focuses on elementary education, secondary school, and college students (MBO) across the country.
Film still from Ramboy by Matthias Joulaud & Lucien Roux.
In 2022, IDFA reached 50,000 students—compared to 35,000 students in 2021—including 23,000 online visits. A large share of this growth can be ascribed to school screenings throughout the year, such as the Feit, Fictie Fake, and De Korte Filmpoule programs, made possible in collaboration with Eye, IFFR, and other organizations.
A survey conducted among teachers indicated high satisfaction levels regarding IDFA’s education program, with an average rating of 8.3. The locations, registration process, and communication were rated as good to very good. The follow-up conversations were registered as having room for improvement. Most teachers believe that IDFA’s education program offers school children and students with “new perspectives”, “food for thought”, and generations “enthusiasm for documentary film.”
Film still from Elsa by Julia Jansch.
IDFA's education program is supported by Deloitte Impact Foundation, Fonds 21, inVision Subtitling BV, the Special Friends+ and Patrons of IDFA.
