One of the ways that the International Documentary Filmfestival Amsterdam (known as IDFA for short) has built strong loyalties with the local audience and visiting professionals is the platform it offers for documentary films of local filmmakers.

The first such showcase will be the Opening Night Film, to screen on November 23, of 4 ELEMENTS by Jiska Rickels. The film mixes documentary technique with visual poetry, which illustrates man's battle with his environment. The film focuses on four places around the world where companionship and mutual trust are still of vital importance.

Jiska Rickels

Riskels is a well respected documentarian, whose earlier film DAYS UNDER (2003) won the Utrecht City Prize at the 2003 Nederlands Film Festival and the Grand Prize at the 2004 Vila do Conde International Film Festival.

The choice of a prominent Dutch documentary to kick off the 10 day event shines a strong light on the tradition of excellence in Dutch documentaries over many decades. The Festival will showcase close to a dozen recent Dutch docs as well, bringing the attention of visiting professionals to the works of local artists.

The film is also competing for the VPRO Joris Ivens Award, the Festival's highest honor. A strong start for IDFA, which runs from November 23 to 3 December in the city of Amsterdam.

Sandy Mandelberger
Online Festival Dailies Editor

For more information on IDFA, go to their website: www.idfa.nl
For more information on Dutch film, go to: www.hollandfilm.nl