Open call: IBF Classic funding scheme 2026

Overview

• The IBF Classic funding scheme provides grants for documentary projects at various stages, from development to post-production.
• Applications are open to filmmakers who are nationals of, and live and work in, countries listed on the IBF Classic Country List.

Deadline

• Single selection round for 2026
• Application deadline: 10 February 2026 (23:59, applicant’s local time)
• The usual two annual deadlines have been merged.
• There will be no June 2026 deadline.

Funding categories

• Project development
  • Supports research, writing and/or production of visual material.
  • Maximum grant: €7 500 per project (about $8 940).
  • Applications must be submitted by the director.
  • Funding is considered part of the director’s contribution to the financing plan.

Production & Post-production

• • Supports the realisation of the documentary.
  • Maximum grant: €25 000 per project.
  • Funding may cover filming, editing and preparation for cinema, television or other platforms.
  • Applications may be submitted by the director or producer.

General requirements

• All directors must:
  • Hold nationality of a country on the IBF Classic Country List.
  • Live and work in a listed country.
• Projects from Bahrain, Hong Kong, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are eligible only if they address political or human rights issues within those countries.
• Each project may be submitted once per category.
  • A project may apply first for Development and later for Production & Post-production.
  • Re-applications to Production & Post-production are allowed only under specific conditions.
• Applications must be completed in English.
  • Applicants from selected countries may submit in French.
• If selected, the grant must be spent in an IBF Classic Country List country.
• Funding may only be used for costs incurred after the final selection date.
• IBF Classic funding cannot be combined with the Hubert Bals Fund.
• Documentary series, curriculum-based films, and immersive or interactive media projects are not eligible.
• All projects must align with IDFA’s mission.

Specific requirements: project development

• Application must be submitted by the director.
• Grant may be used for:
  • Research
  • Writing
  • Shooting
  • Producing a visual presentation
• Audio-visual material requirements:
  • Mandatory original material from the project (minimum 2 minutes).
  • Must demonstrate the director’s cinematic approach and access.
  • Photo presentations or reference material are not accepted.
  • English subtitles are required.
• A previous work by the director should be submitted if available.
• Audio-visual material must be provided via an online link and remain accessible for at least three months.

Specific requirements: Production & Post-production

• Applications may be submitted by the director and/or producer.
• The main producer must be based in an IBF Classic Country List country.
• Co-productions with non-eligible countries are permitted under strict conditions.
• Audio-visual material requirements:
  • Production stage: 3–20 minutes of footage.
  • Post-production stage: approximately 20 minutes of an edited sequence or rough cut.
  • Re-applications must include a full rough cut.
  • English subtitles are required.
• Audio-visual material must be accessible online for at least three months.

How to apply

• Confirm eligibility against IBF Classic requirements.
• Submit an application via MyIDFA, including:
  • Project details and crew list
  • Logline (max. 50 words)
  • Synopsis (max. 400 words)
  • Project description (max. 1 500 words)
  • Topic summary or director’s motivation (written or video)
  • Director and producer biographies and filmographies
  • Project stage and timeline
  • Audio-visual material links
  • Implementation plan (Development applications only)

• All application sections must be completed by the deadline.
• Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

View the original call here.

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