11/04/2016 - Visual artist and filmmaker Barbara Visser is to replace Derks in November 2017

The founder and director of the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), Ally Derks, is to step down from her position in 2017, when the showcase will be celebrating its 30^th anniversary.

Derks will spend most of the upcoming year working in Berlin as an invited “fellow” of the Robert Bosch Stiftung – a period during which she will still remain affiliated with the IDFA, but will officially be on a sabbatical. In November 2017, Derks will officially step down from the IDFA; visual artist and filmmaker Barbara Visser is to replace her.

“It has been 30 wonderful years, and saying goodbye is always a little painful. But I think the time is right. A year in Berlin will be a great challenge. I know I am leaving the IDFA in good hands with my hugely appreciated, professional, dedicated colleagues. I look forward to the future with confidence, both for the IDFA and for myself,” Derks stated about the impending reshuffle.

Recognised as one of the most influential personalities on the Dutch film scene, Derks has been presented with several prizes, including the prestigious Doc Mogul Award at the Canadian Hot Docs documentary festival, and last year she was made a Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French ambassador to the Netherlands.

Derks' replacement, Visser, is the chair of the Royal Academy of the Dutch Royal Society of Arts. She has previously served as a guest curator and jury chair for the IDFA and is currently a member of the IDFA board.

The board is planning to introduce a new artistic director during the first quarter of 2018. The current financial director, Cees van ’t Hullenaar, will take over as managing director from 2018, and during that year, Derks will remain affiliated to the IDFA in an advisory role in order to ensure a smooth transition.

Before these changes take place, however, the 2016 edition of the IDFA will unspool from 16-27 November.