Protect Your Rights

For nearly 30 years, the International Documentary Association has worked on behalf of documentary filmmakers, but our work is far from over. In fact, the documentary community needs IDA as an advocate more than ever before. Those creating nonfiction media in this rapidly evolving world look to IDA for guidance, information, community, and most of all support on a number of critical issues.

To continue to secure and protect the rights of documentary filmmakers, so that they/you will remain free to create this unique and essential art form, we need your support to sustain our advocacy work.

Currently, the IDA is working on many pressing issues affecting documentary filmmakers. Particularly urgent is the work we are doing to renew the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) exemption, as well as to have the exemption apply to Blu-Ray footage. The IDA initially helped documentary filmmakers win a three-year exemption that allowed a filmmaker to take materials from DVDs and use those film clips for criticism and commentary. For over a century, filmmakers have had the right to make fair use of copyrighted work in their films, and we are working hard to ensure that this right remains protected.

If the exemption is not renewed, filmmakers will lose their ability to utilize footage from DVDs.

What can you do to protect the rights of documentary filmmakers?
Become an IDA member, and encourage others you know to join. If you are already a member, donate and please donate generously.

And, there are benefits!
All members receive a complimentary subscription to Documentary Magazine and invitations to various IDA events throughout the year. And, depending on your membership or donor level, you may receive reserved VIP seating at the 27th Annual IDA Documentary Awards, IDA’s annual fundraiser, set for December 2nd at the Directors Guild of America.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ONGOING SUPPORT.