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LRF Director Heba El-Kholy with Artistic Director of IDFA, Orwa Nyrabia

IDFA and the Lutfia Rabbani Foundation are proud to announce a new partnership that will enable a number of young Arab film talents from Palestine, Tunisia, Egypt, and Lebanon to attend IDFAcademy during IDFA.

An intensive four-day training program that takes place during the festival, IDFAcademy offers emerging documentary filmmakers and producers the opportunity to meet a broad spectrum of esteemed documentary professionals who share their knowledge of the industry. During the program, IDFAcademy participants gain up-to-date market knowledge of the documentary industry and learn about current trends in documentary filmmaking. Trends and models from various parts of the world are taught to ensure that participants develop a broad view of the sector, expand their networks, and learn how to find a place for their project and film.The Arab world is a rich source of young talents who would benefit from participation in IDFAcademy. Bringing these professionals’ ideas and expertise to the table enriches these discussions, offering different perspectives and valuable insights.

The new partnership is in line with the Lutfia Rabbani Foundation’s mission to build mutual understanding between Europe and the Arab world through educational and cultural exchanges, in addition to facilitating and convening forums for dialogue with multiple stakeholders. IDFA shares the Lutfia Rabbani Foundation’s commitment to finding common ground, common solutions, and common opportunities through equal exchange. In all cases, dialogue is essential to unlock collective wisdom, passion, and creativity. Both organizations believe that documentary film, through its ability to capture nuances and complexities, is an excellent medium to expose and hopefully debunk stereotypes and misconceptions. Through this, cross-cultural bridges can be built, and more inclusive conversations can be initiated.