IBF Intern

About the IDFA Bertha Fund 

In twenty-eight years, the IDFA Bertha Fund has developed into an internationally renowned film fund with a broad network supporting over 700 documentaries projects and film organizations from countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Oceania. IBF supports filmmakers working in contexts without robust public–private funding structures or where censorship restricts creative independence.

IBF engages with documentary filmmakers whose work is grounded in bold artistic vision, innovation in form, and exploration of new perspectives. IBF-supported films bring truly independent stories to both local and international audiences through distinctive visual storytelling. We collaborate with both emerging and established filmmakers, recognizing that access to resources—not talent or vision—often defines visibility within the film ecosystem globally. Each year, IBF receives over 1000 project applications, of which 30 can be funded through two different support programs. 

The IDFA Bertha Fund, founded in 1998, is an important part of the IDFA institute and, together with talent development, belongs to the Filmmaker Support department.

About the internship

The IDFA Bertha Fund (IBF) is looking for an enthusiastic student with an interest in the international creative documentary sector, particularly documentary film production, financing, and funding opportunities.

During this internship, you will support the team in preparing its annual report and implementing the 2027 funding schemes. You will gain practical insight into how an international film fund operates and supports documentary filmmakers.

Learning is an integral part of this internship. Together with the team, you will establish learning goals that match your studies and professional interests.

Interns from outside the EU are welcome to apply, provided that they are currently studying at a Netherlands-based university.

What are you going to do?

As an intern at the IDFA Bertha Fund, you will learn about the different stages of the funding process, from receiving applications to coordinating selection procedures. Working alongside the team, you will explore how documentary production, financing, and international cultural funding connect in practice. You will combine practical experience in international documentary funding, with opportunities to learn on the job and, where feasible, integrate relevant university assignments into your day-to-day work.

Research and reporting

• Conduct research and help gather information for the annual report;

• Contribute to drafting and editing report content;

Funding schemes

• Assist with the administration of applications for the 2027 funding schemes;

• Help keep track of application deadlines and planning;

• Support the coordination and preparation of preselection and selection processes.

Team support

• Provide general administrative support;

• Assist with the team’s day-to-day activities.

About you

• You are enrolled in a relevant higher education programme, such as Film or Media Studies, Cultural Studies, Arts Management, or a related field;

• You are interested in creative documentary filmmaking and curious about film production, financing, and international cultural funding;

• You have strong research, writing, and organizational skills;

• You work accurately and have a good eye for detail;

• You are keen to develop your skills and connect your academic interests with practical experience;

• You have a good command of written and spoken English.

We particularly encourage you to apply if your studies, academic research, or personal interests connect with the fund’s activities. We would love to hear what you hope to learn and explore during your internship.

What do we offer you?

• An internship of 4 days per week, starting from December 2026 to May 2027 (in consultation);

• Guidance from the IBF team and learning goals tailored to your interests and studies;

• Practical experience in international documentary funding, with room for an independent research project or university-related assignments if feasible;

• Working partly from home is negotiable;

• Daily free fruit and lunch at the office;

• An internship allowance of €300/month for a four-day-per-week internship;

• A laptop on loan;

• A possible travel allowance. Interns living outside Amsterdam can claim travel expenses between their home within the Netherlands and the office, based on the cheapest NS second-class fare. Travel to Amsterdam from outside the Netherlands cannot be reimbursed.

Diversity

IDFA brings together passionate, driven people with different experiences and personalities. We want to be an organization where everyone feels welcome, where talent is recognized, and where diversity helps us achieve better results. At IDFA, we believe it is important that you can simply be yourself. That is why we are curious to hear who you are!

Apply for the internship 

Are you interested in joining the IBF Team as an intern? Then apply via the application button below! We look forward to hearing from you. 

For more information about the position, please contact hr@idfa.nl