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Our Impact

The IDA is dedicated to the vision of a world where documentary creators flourish. Through our work, we connect audiences with the best of the form, provide resources, create community, and defend the rights and freedoms of documentary artists, activists and journalists around the globe. We do this work because we believe that documentaries enrich and deepen our culture, fostering a more informed and connected world.         

  • IDA represents a global community of filmmakers and we serve thousands of individual and organizational members worldwide. become an ida member
     

  • We award $1.2 million annually in production and development grants directly to documentary filmmakers annually, along with technical and legal support.
     

  • We partner with filmmakers and cultural workers to raise more than $8.5 million annually to support documentary projects in production. Learn more about Fiscal Sponsorship 
     

  • We reach an online community of 45,000 email subscribers. join our list
     

  • On average, over 26,000 users from 200 countries read Documentary magazine editorial content each month
     

  • 10,000 people register for our programs and events annually. Upcoming Events
     

  • We serve an international audience of over 3,000+ documentary filmmakers and industry professionals from around the globe through Getting Real, IDA’s biennial industry-wide conference on the art and business of nonfiction filmmaking.
     

  • The IDA Documentary Awards are the most prestigious documentary-focused awards in the industry, and 600+ leaders attend the annual ceremony. 

IDA offers opportunities for documentarians at all experience levels to grow professionally by enhancing their knowledge of the craft and business of nonfiction filmmaking. Filmmakers around the world learn from celebrated artists and renowned industry experts through year-round sessions.

Our field building and advocacy work is guided by the importance of storytelling and public dialogue in a civil society. Representation in front of and behind the camera, earning a living wage, diverse distribution channels, global freedom of expression and movement, duty of care, and strong virtual and in-person social networks all enable the field to thrive. Focus Areas:

  • Freedom of expression and US First Amendment rights
  • Equity and inclusion
  • Nurturing grassroots organizations and collectives
  • Fair use
  • Accessibility
  • Career sustainability
  • US federal funding of arts and humanities
  • Safety, security, and freedom of travel

Click here for our LAST organizational report