Masterclasses

13 October, 4.30 p.m.
Ally Derks
The Evolution of IDFA: An Intimate Masterclass with Ally Derks
Journey through the transformative chapters of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) alongside its founder and long-term director, Ally Derks. From its inception as a niche gathering to its present-day prominence as the world's leading documentary film festival, Ally offers firsthand insights into IDFA's growth and significance. Delve deep into the festival's role as a pivotal industry forum and marketplace, shaping the global documentary narrative. Ally will share her perspectives on the evolution of film selection, emphasizing the artistic values and importance of documentaries in mirroring society's facets. Additionally, she will shed light on the essential interactions between filmmakers and audiences, fostering enriching discussions and debates. With a nod to the future, Ally will highlight IDFA's dedication to empowering upcoming filmmakers through the IDFA Academy and supporting purposeful projects via the IDFA-Bertha fund. Engage with the mastermind behind IDFA and understand the heart, vision, and passion that propels this global documentary phenomenon.

Language: English

14 October, 4.30 p.m.
Gilda Sahebi
The fine line - how activist can journalists be?

Journalists are supposed to report neutrally - and yet they have an attitude, an opinion and a moral compass that sometimes influence how and about what they report. The author and journalist Gilda Sahebi reports for ARD, Spiegel and Taz, among others, mainly on the situation of women's rights in Iran, on racism and feminism. She herself takes a clear stance in her work - and also makes demands on political decision-makers in her articles and on social media. In her masterclass, Sahebi talks about when a clear stance is appropriate - and where the limits lie.

Language: German

16 October, 4.30 p.m.
Katja Riemann
Art and Activism - Strengthening human rights through creative work.

The actress, director and author Katja Riemann tells thought-provoking stories in her films and books. The people Riemann admires for their commitment, courage and conviction, and who concretely fight injustice in the world with their actions, are often the focus. Riemann's works always contain a pinch of humour. In our masterclass we talk to her about this humour, about writing, acting, filmmaking and the fine line between her work as an actress and her commitment as an activist.

Language: German

17 October, 4.30 p.m.
Alisa Keesey & Patricia Arquette
Empowering Through Engagement - A Conversation on Give Love

For more than ten years, Alisa Keesey, Director of GiveLove, and Patricia Arquette, actress and founder of GiveLove, have been advocating for everyone to have access to clean water and safe sanitation. In their masterclass, they discuss their collaboration with indigenous communities, their experiences in the slums of Kampala, and at the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota. With a mix of personal anecdotes and humor, they approach topics such as feminism, democracy, and social inequality.

Language: English

18 October, 6 p.m.
Ailton Krenak
Ideas to postpone the end of the world

Ailton Krenak, an indigenous leader and thinker, delves into the reflections he presents in his groundbreaking work "Ideas to Postpone the End of the World." He explores the profound alienation between humanity and nature and offers a visionary perspective on the ecological and societal challenges of our time. Drawing upon indigenous knowledge and philosophy, he invites participants to reevaluate prevailing worldviews. In doing so, he calls for a reconnection with the Earth and a rethinking of progress. This masterclass is not only about searching for ideas; it is also a call to action for all of us to become active and question our own actions.

Language: Portuguese/ English
Format: Digital live-session with Ailton Krenak