IDFA: International Documentary Filmfestival Amsterdam

11/17/2021

Festival Reviews

Listening to Kenny G

by Oris Aigbokhaevbolo | Dec 8, 2021 | Featured, Festivals, IDFA

One of the best-selling instrumentalists of all time is both unaware and charming in Penny Lane’s engaging documentary.

Children of the Mist

by Boyd van Hoeij | Nov 27, 2021 | Festivals, IDFA

This disturbingly voyeuristic look at the ancient tradition of bride kidnappings, which happen at an astounding young age, won IDFA’s best director nod for Diem Ha Le.

Tonight’s Homework

by Deborah Young | Nov 26, 2021 | Festivals, IDFA

Abbas Kiarostami’s trailblazing ‘Homework’ (1989) gets a brilliant update in a documentary that is equal parts hilarious and saddening in its portrayal of Iranian schoolkids.

Darkness There and Nothing More

by Oris Aigbokhaevbolo | Nov 25, 2021 | Festivals, IDFA

Tea Tupajic’s documentary will find its audience among those for whom Srebrenica and other European brutalities have never really ended.

Ironland

by Patricia Boero | Nov 24, 2021 | Festivals, IDFA

An outcry against man-made environmental disasters, tracking the long-term effects on the survivors of the biggest dam collapse in Brazil.

Taamaden

by Oris Aigbokhaevbolo | Nov 24, 2021 | Festivals, IDFA, Spotlight

Mali-born filmmaker Seydou Cissé comes at the theme of African immigration through the lens of spirituality.

Day After…

by Oris Aigbokhaevbolo | Nov 23, 2021 | Festivals, IDFA

The second film in Kamar Ahmad Simon’s ‘Water Trilogy’ is redeemed by its selection of characters.

The pitch of the documentary Where Are We Headed seems tailor-made for international festivals, as it offers a look at colourful and fascinating creatures from all layers of Russian society through the prism of the Moscow subway system. With a clearly defined space...

In the Billowing Night

by Patricia Boero | Nov 21, 2021 | Festivals, IDFA

A melancholic, intimate exploration of the personal cost of migration, told by the filmmaker’s father, who left the island of Réunion in his youth.

Awards Corner

IDFA

for
Mr. Landsbergis (Lithuania, Netherlands)
Director: Sergei Loznitsa
for
Children of the Mist (Vietnam)
Director: Diem Ha Le
for
Where Are We Headed (Russia, Belarus)
Ruslan Fedotow
for
Mr. Landsbergis (Lithuania, Netherlands)
Danielius Kokanauskis
Best Youth Documentary for
Shabu (Netherlands, Belgium)
Director: Shamira Raphaela
Best Dutch Film for
Jason (Netherlands)
Director: Maasja Ooms
Best Film for Envision competition
Octopus (Lebanon)
Director: Karim Kassem
Best Directing for Envision competition
O, Collecting Eggs Despite the Times (Netherlands)
Director: Pim Zwier
Outstanding Artistic Contribution for Envision competition
One Take Grace (South Africa)
Director: Lindiwe Matshikiza