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IDA Names its Top 4 IDAs

By Hansen Bursic


A white door with an exit sign above it and an exit symbol beside it.

The International Documentary Association turned 40 this year which is a huge milestone for our organization. As you can imagine, over the last four decades, we have seen many organizations come and go. We have also been confused for other organizations, many times, as we worked to build our reputation as one of the leading documentary organizations in the world. In honor of April 1, the silliest of holidays, we wanted to make a list of our favorite other IDAs that have been stealing the spotlight from us over the years.


International Door Association (IDA)

When you think of IDA, you obviously must be thinking about the essential work of door advocates. Bad doors are everywhere and the good people of the International Door Association are here to save the day. Like the International Documentary Association, this IDA is also a membership organization providing its members with benefits that we only wish we could offer—discounts to IDAExpo, their annual door convention! They also run IDA Magazine which begs the question: why doesn’t Documentary magazine include more door related articles? A missed opportunity.

Iowa Dental Association (IDA)

The great people of Iowa really know how to run an IDA organization. We are, of course, talking about the Iowa Dental Association. While you may think this is a joke blog, dental health is no laughing matter at this IDA. Representing over 80% of dentists in the state of Iowa, the Iowa Dental Association might take the “crown” on this list for running the most successful membership campaign. Our membership team is taking notes.

Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA)

This list would be incomplete without the vital inclusion of the prestigious Intercollegiate Dressage Association. You are probably asking yourself right now “What the heck is dressage?” Well, dear reader, you are in for a treat. Dressage is the highest and most artful form of horse training in which the rider performs various tasks in a competition to show off their mastery of horseback riding. The Intercollegiate Dressage Association provides space for this equestrian artform to thrive and we welcome any filmmaker who wants to use our fiscal sponsorship program to get a much needed dressage documentary made.

Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)

You didn’t think we would leave out the airport IDA, did you? Yes, the airport code for the scenic Idaho Falls Regional Airport is actually IDA. Hosting only a few commercial flights a day, travelers visiting IDA can explore beautiful Idaho Falls which, to its credit, boasts some pretty stunning nature hikes and even a zoo! Getting Real 2022 may have found its new home along the beautiful rivers of this quaint Idaho town.