IDFA BERTHA FUND (IBF)
The IDFA Bertha Fund is run by IDFA — the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, the world's largest documentary festival. It is the only fund in the world dedicated solely to stimulating documentary filmmaking in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Oceania. Funded by the Bertha Foundation (UK-based philanthropic organisation), it was established in 1996 and has been one of the most important documentary funding mechanisms for African filmmakers for nearly 30 years. IBF-backed films have been shortlisted for the Oscars and BAFTA and have premiered at Cannes, IDFA, Berlin, and major festivals worldwide. African filmmakers apply directly — no European partner required for the Classic grant.
Deadline
IBF Europe (European co-producer applies): 1 April 2026. IBF Classic: 2026 round closed 10 February 2026 — no June round in 2026; next Classic round dates TBA.
Cost
FREE — No application fee
Format
Documentary films only (feature-length and some shorter formats). Fiction films, TV drama series, and short fiction are NOT eligible. Values bold artistic vision and innovative visual storytelling.
Eligibility
IBF Classic: Director from and based in an eligible African country. IBF Europe: European minority co- producer from a Creative Europe MEDIA country submits on behalf of the African filmmaker. NOTE: HBF and IBF CANNOT be combined on the same project.
What You Get
IBF Classic – Project Development: up to EUR 7,500. IBF Classic – Production and Post-production: up to EUR 25,000. IBF Europe – Minority Co-production: EUR 40,000 per project (applied for by a European co-producer). NFF+IBF – Dutch Co-production: additional production grant for projects with IBF support and a Dutch co-producer. The fund does NOT take ownership of your film.
What to Submit
IBF Classic: Application form in English (French accepted for Francophone African countries). Script/treatment, director biography, financing plan, previous work sample. IBF Europe: European co- producer submits via IDFA portal.
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This opportunity is no longer accepting applications. Browse open opportunities
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