What’s on at IDFA 2026: five documentaries to watch

The 39th International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) commenced on Thursday, featuring 253 films from 80 countries through November 22. IDFA, established in 1988 by Ally Derks, initially showcased 72 films to approximately 2,000 attendees. The festival recognizes excellence with awards for the best International Competition film, Envision Competition piece, debut feature, best Dutch film, and most innovative use of archival material. Winners will be revealed on November 19.

One opening film follows a group of young recruits undergoing 45 days of jungle camp training by Myanmar’s resistance movement. Directed by Canadian trio Robert Mentov, Dwight Jantzi, and Bryan Dickie, it competes in the International Competition and is also nominated for best first feature.

Elizabeth Holmes, ex-founder of Theranos, allowed comedian Nathan Fielder and director Lance Oppenheim to document her daily life with her partner, Billy Evans, and their two children. The clandestine filming from 2023 was revealed at a surprise screening prior to Telluride film festival.

Oscar-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney's portrait of Elon Musk spans nearly four hours. After Musk briefly served as one of President Trump's closest aides, Gibney expanded the documentary by cutting federal government ties. The film debuted at Venice film festival in September.

In 1969, workers in Curaçao initiated a strike, which evolved into a popular uprising against exploitation and inequality. Dutch filmmaker John Leerdam documented this pivotal event 25 years later through interviews and historical footage. The film premiered at IDFA in 1995 and returns this year in a restored version by Amsterdam’s Eye Filmmuseum.

After the last flight landed at Nicosia Airport in July 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus, leaving the airport abandoned in no man's land between Greek and Turkish sectors of the island. Dutch filmmakers Peter Delpeut and Gerco de Ruijter reconstruct this historical event using archival footage in a 42-minute film.