The International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) will take place from November 14 to 24, 2024 and will be featuring over 250 films. Piotr Winiewicz’s About a Hero will kick off the festival with its world premiere. This film delves into artificial intelligence, challenging Werner Herzog’s statement that “a computer won’t be able to create a film as good as mine for at least another 4,500 years.” Winiewicz trained an AI on Herzog’s films to create a screenplay, exploring themes of authenticity and creativity.

The festival will showcase films in various competitions, including the International Competition, which highlights 13 titles that focus on personal histories and global issues like war and rising authoritarianism. Notable films in this section include An American Pastoral and The Golden Age. 

The Envision Competition will present 12 films with unique storytelling styles, while the Luminous section features 23 films that delve into emotional experiences and self-representation. The Frontlight section will examine pressing social issues, showcasing stories of individuals resisting oppression.

Additionally, the IDFA DocLab program will offer immersive and interactive experiences, pushing the limits of documentary storytelling through new technologies. Awards will be given for various categories, with winners announced during the ceremony on November 21, underscoring IDFA’s role as a key platform for documentary filmmakers.