Are you between 15 and 27 years old and interested in film, current affairs, and social issues? Then the Young Adults selection committee for the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam - IDFA - 2026 is for you. 

What will you do?
Together with other young film lovers, you'll watch a selection of documentaries from the new IDFA program in September. You discuss the films, share your opinion, and help decide which documentaries receive the official IDFA Young Adults Label.

How does it work?

• IDFA makes a pre-selection of approximately 20 documentaries
• You watch at least 6 films at home (more is always welcome)
• Via an online form you share your opinion
• Afterwards you discuss together with the committee which films are strongest for young adults
• Ultimately you collectively select 8 to 10 films for the Young Adults Label during IDFA 2026

Special screening evening
Additionally, we organize a special screening evening with a post-screening discussion. During this evening we show one of your favorite films and you get the chance to develop a complete supporting program together — think of a performance, an in-depth conversation, a guest speaker, or something completely unexpected. 

A small programming budget is available for this, so there's plenty of room to make it a special evening. This evening is perfect for members who want to do a bit more than just watch films: an opportunity to think actively, work together, and program a unique film evening yourself. In previous editions, some members of the selection committee actively participated in planning this evening, while others focused mainly on watching and selecting films.

Why participate?

• You get a unique behind-the-scenes look at an international film festival
• You meet other curious and creative young people
• You actively contribute to thinking about culture, media, and social issues
• Your voice determines which films become part of the Young Adults program

For whom?
For anyone between 15 and 27 years old with an interest in documentaries, stories, art, current affairs, or film.

Sign up
Register before August 5, 2026 via this registration form.

Location: Amsterdam / online
Selection period: September 2026
Festival: November 2026}

IDFA Youth Selection Schedule

• August 24 | 19:00–20:30 – Kick-off (online)
• August 26 to September 22 – Watch and review films
• September 22 – Selection meeting at de Meervaart or at IDFA

After September 22, part of the group will start organizing the final evening. Therefore, plan for extra hours of work during this period.

• November 18 or 19 – Final evening at Cinema de Vlugt
  Keep this evening completely free; exact times to follow.

Your opinion can help determine which documentaries young visitors will see during IDFA 2026.