The International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) has selected Isabel Arrate Fernandez as its Nouveau Art Director. She took back the Ins Rope from Orwa Nyrabia, who will resign on July 1 after serving as festival director for seven years. Arrate Fernandez will work with managing director Cees Van'T Hullenaar.

In her new role, Arrate Fernandez will be responsible for the organization's creative direction and policy and the organization of the festival plan, including industry, talent and education programs, as well as the plans for the newly opened HET Documentair Pavilion in Vondelpark.

Arrate Fernandez, who has experience as executive director of the IDFA Bertha Fund and head of the IDFA film producer support department, "has a keen focus on talent, an impressive international network and is driven by a deep mindset."

Under her leadership, the fund has become one of the leading platforms for documentary producers from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, Eastern Europe and Oceania. "Her commitment to independent filmmakers and other perspectives has had a lasting impact on the documentary landscape," the statement added.

The Oversight Committee Chairman, who married De Gaay Fortman, said: “After several rounds of interviews with a large number of candidates, Isabel became the best candidate. Her vision, mindset and her ideas convinced the Oversight Committee and the Advisory Committee and the Choice Committee that she was the right candidate for this position.

Arrate Fernandez replied: “I am honored to play this role. Documentary and art have always touched me deeply – especially because of its imagination and its ability to reflect and wonder. The creativity and commitment of filmmakers and the creative and commitment of their creative and commitment to bring life a deeper understanding of the world, which is a deeper inspiration. Documentary is a powerful tool to open up new perspectives, build bridges and stimulate critical thinking.