I ended my last Notes, back in August of last year, by writing that these are treacherous times for documentary film and all truth-seeking art. It is getting harder to make work and let people see it. Policy decisions, business practices, and other aspects of our field’s infrastructure prevent brilliant, vital films from reaching the audiences that want them. More and more people are looking for remedies. During her fellowship at Harvard’s Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy last fall, Abby Sun investigated some of these structural challenges and explored potential solutions, work that informs several pieces in this issue of Documentary magazine. In this publication and through our other programs and channels, and in partnership with others (such as the recently formed Future Film Coalition), IDA will continue to be a space and a voice that seeks changes in the field that help ensure that documentaries can have an impact.
But the times have grown more treacherous still. I write this not long after President Trump’s return to office. If you happen to be reading this months or years from now you will know how these early weeks—filled with statements and actions that threatened to dismantle institutions, provisions, protections, and rights across art, media, and beyond—shaped what was to come. While politics should be an arena for competing ideas and visions of the common good, we now face something different in the U.S.: a politics often driven by malice. This is a reality many documentary makers, artists, activists, and journalists around the world also face. Whether we win or lose, we must defend what needs defending and resist what must be resisted.
IDA has long championed freedom of expression and its essential companions: freedom of movement, access, and rights. Our lawsuit against the previous Trump administration’s Department of State (originally Doc Society and IDA v. Pompeo) has recently returned to the D.C. Circuit court, challenging requirements that force visa applicants, including filmmakers, to disclose their social media handles. We know how that puts filmmakers, journalists, and others at risk. At the time of writing, we’ve joined partners in Texas to oppose proposed legislation—which could spread to other states—that would significantly limit freedom of expression for media makers and others by facilitating strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs). Previously, Documentary has covered how important anti-SLAPP protections are for documentary filmmakers making investigative work in Texas, 33 other states, and D.C., which all have existing anti-SLAPP laws.
There is a lot of work ahead for us. In the coming weeks, we will announce new initiatives that expand IDA’s commitment to advocacy by defending the needs, interests, and rights of documentary makers worldwide.
If you are an IDA member, thank you, as always. A lot of what we need to do depends on us having legal standing. We need to show that we represent those who are affected by the policies we fight. The size and profile of our membership community make all the difference.
Dominic
Executive Director, IDA
This piece was first published in Documentary’s Spring 2025 issue.