BREAKING: The IDFA Bertha Fund has appointed Selin Murat as its new executive director, a move aimed at expanding support for independent filmmakers worldwide. This announcement comes as the fund prepares for the upcoming festival, showcasing numerous titles that have received its backing.
Under Murat’s leadership, the Fund will continue its vital role in helping filmmakers tell their stories on their own terms, with an emphasis on transparency and objective qualifications. Previously, Murat served as the IDFA markets manager and now succeeds Isabel Arrate Fernandez, who directed the Fund for over 20 years.
The Fund’s backing is considered a significant endorsement, often determining whether projects get made. Key stakeholders, including the Bertha Foundation, Creative Europe, and the Netherlands Film Fund, remain committed to empowering diverse voices in cinema. Notably, several projects supported by the Fund, including films from Iran, Iraq, Colombia, and Argentina, will feature prominently at this year’s festival.
Murat emphasizes the Fund’s commitment to filling budget gaps for filmmakers facing challenges, including displacement. “Many filmmakers are now displaced, and we are examining how we can support those who are themselves refugees on a case-by-case basis,” she stated. This initiative resonates deeply in today’s climate, as many artists struggle to find funding and resources.
The Fund will allocate €25,000 over two years to the Palestine Film Institute, enabling the organization to support two to three projects. This partnership aims to help Palestinian filmmakers gain recognition on a global platform. Additionally, the Fund maintains collaborations with initiatives like DocA in Nairobi, enhancing connections in East Africa.
As the IDFA Festival approaches, Murat and her team are actively working to ensure that filmmakers can navigate a challenging environment where sales agents are overburdened. “If filmmakers can’t find a sales agent, we try to help them,” she explained, underscoring the Fund’s dedication to supporting creative narratives.
The urgency of this announcement cannot be understated. As filmmakers grapple with funding challenges and displacement, the IDFA Bertha Fund stands as a beacon of hope, fostering independent storytelling and ensuring that diverse voices are heard in the global cinematic landscape.
Stay tuned for further updates on how the IDFA Bertha Fund under Selin Murat will impact the film community and what exciting projects will emerge from this year’s festival.
