Complete Selection Announced for IDFA DocLab 2024 in the Netherlands
IDFA DocLab 2024, the interactive and immersive documentary platform of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), has unveiled its full project selection for this year's edition. The program, which runs from November 15th to 24th, will present over 25 experiential documentary projects, showcasing cutting-edge work in immersive non-fiction and digital storytelling across multiple venues in Amsterdam, including de Brakke Grond, @droog, and ARTIS-Planetarium.
Immersive Non-Fiction and Digital Storytelling Competitions
The 2024 DocLab lineup includes two major competition categories: Immersive Non-Fiction and Digital Storytelling. The Immersive Non-Fiction competition features ten projects that explore new ways of engaging with reality, utilizing virtual reality, augmented reality, and other immersive technologies. Among the selections are a virtual dollhouse experience and a journey into dystopian landscapes, reflecting the artistic potential of emerging technologies.
In the Digital Storytelling competition, eleven projects push the boundaries of interactive storytelling, encompassing a range of formats from AI-driven experiences to generative podcasts. These works highlight the evolving landscape of digital narratives, providing fresh perspectives on contemporary themes.
Spotlight and Forum Selections
The Spotlight section will feature seven projects that premiered earlier this year, including interactive installations, experimental theater, and full-dome experiences. Additionally, the DocLab Forum will showcase fifteen projects in development, allowing creators to pitch their innovative ideas to industry professionals. Themes addressed in the forum include displacement, body image, artificial intelligence, and the intersection of nature and technology.
Opening Film and Special Guests
IDFA 2024 will officially open with the world premiere of About a Hero by Piotr Winiewicz, a feature film that evolved from the DocLab's R&D Program. The project was inspired by Werner Herzog's assertion that computers will not surpass human creativity for millennia, leading to a collaborative process that spanned several years. Two installation pieces, Reflector (2019) and William Quail's Pyramid (2023), served as precursors to the film.
Toby Coffey, an award-winning producer and Head of Digital Development at the National Theatre in London, joins the DocLab team as Associate Programmer. Known for founding the Immersive Storytelling Studio, Coffey will contribute to shaping the program and organizing public and industry events during the festival.
Industry Recognition and Talent Development
The IDFA DocLab Spotlight Award, aimed at nurturing digital storytelling talent, was presented to South African artist Shannon Wadaya during the Fak'ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival. Wadaya will attend IDFA DocLab as part of the prize, furthering her exploration of digital arts and storytelling.
Festival Details and Partners
Since its founding in 2007, IDFA DocLab has aimed to expand the boundaries of documentary storytelling by blending reality with digital art and technology. This year’s event will be held at de Brakke Grond and the nearby @droog, with special full-dome screenings at ARTIS-Planetarium. Regular ticket sales begin on October 30th.
DocLab 2024 is supported by partners including the Ministry of Economic Affairs, CLICKNL, and the Netherlands Film Fund, with research collaborations from institutions such as MIT Open Documentary Lab and Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.