It's really about realizing we can own a piece of each other's successes, and in so doing, learn to become successful ourselves. Lois Shelton, Foxglove Films         Power Doc watching at the 20th Annual International Documentary Festival Amsterdam WIF Member Sue Feil-Erwin does Amsterdam… and the International Documentary Festival Amsterdam, an incredible city lined with one hundred sixty-five canals and 1200+ bridges. Bicycles, museums, galleries, cinemas, beautiful people, and IDFA. The mission: “power watch” documentaries - and find a pair of boots and a hat. Nothing will stop me from acquiring the perfect fashion accessories in this oh-so-fashionable city. The International Documentary Festival Amsterdam, IDFA www.idfa.nl celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2007. The festival, held November 22nd to December 2nd, is the largest documentary festival in the world. Sue and Jeff Erwin make the most of the festival, Amsterdam. And a little fun female retail indulgence a la Sue. First – rent bicycles and experience the next three weeks like locals. Second - find the Box Office and obtain press passes. Everyone working at the Box Office is helpful and multi-lingual. It was easy to navigate the credentials maze that can overwhelm the hardiest souls. The Festival catalogue describes each documentary shown during IDFA. We begin the process of organization and elimination while hoping to get the most sought after tickets. I must pursue my retail mission. A small window of opportunity opens. Boots – hundreds of beautiful boots. I’m reeling - overwhelmed. I must focus. I change course and head to the cinema. We have several docs highlighted and call the Box Office to reserve tickets for desired showings. We experience both success and disappointment. But we are ready. We jump on our bikes to navigate and weave our way through traffic, unsuspecting pedestrians, and experienced local bikers to the Tuschinski Theatre. With the boot mission well underway, we managed to attend some films. I’ve narrowed my boot selection to forty pairs. No perfect hat…yet. The mission continues as movies fill our days. Then it happened! Riding through narrow, rain-soaked streets, lost in the magic of Amsterdam, a window filled with hats! Inside, Ans Wesseling displayed her fabulous millinery skills in colorful, organized chaos throughout her enchanting shop. Ans fulfills one part of my mission. Two days later, I returned to get the hat of my dreams. “Power doc watching” continues. Some chosen selections were exceptional, some did not meet expectations, some failed to hold our creative interest so we walked out. At first we felt awkward and uncomfortable doing so, but then realized that not every documentary appeals to everyone. Lesson learned? We were able to experience more of the Festival’s entries as well as meet more filmmakers and artists. Down from 40 boots to six. I will not despair… Having the opportunity to meet the film directors was informative and enlightening. We cannot say enough about the planning and professional excellence of IDFA. Kudos to the hundreds of people who made it happen…their hard work made it a success! By the way - stop by red jet films to check out my boots. Mission accomplished! -- Sue Feil-Erwin is the business manager of red jet films in Seattle