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Other Membership Benefits

We equip our members with more than just a community of collaborators by providing them with the resources to make their projects a reality. Here are the additional benefits that are currently available to membership levels starting at $85/year. 


Access to 501(c)(3) nonprofit status through the IDA Fiscal Sponsorship program

IDA members receive eligibility in becoming a sponsored project of IDA. This arrangement allows projects to seek grants and solicit tax-deductible donations for your documentary, with the oversight, support and endorsement of one of the longest-standing and most trusted charities in the field. Please note, membership does not warrant automatic acceptance into the program, you are required to apply first.

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IDA Documentary Awards

IDA members receive exclusive discounts on project submissions to the IDA Documentary Awards. If you are not a filmmaker, members also get the exclusive benefit of streaming all the IDA Documentary Awards Best Feature and Best Short nominees from anywhere in the world, selecting their favorites through an online judging portal.


Support for O and P category visas with a letter of no objection for qualified applicants

For non-US IDA members, we offer advisory opinion review for your O and P category visa petitions. You must provide a full copy of your USCIS petition and any supporting documents and work samples proving the strength of your qualifications. IDA will accept or deny requests for consultation letters based on the evidence petitioners provide. If the documentation satisfies the applicable evidentiary criteria, the IDA will issue a “no objection” letter. 


Discounts to partner festivals and events

Support our partners in the documentary community through their annual festivals and events. Get exclusive discounts on passes and Call for Entries submissions to some of the best festivals in the industry. 


Errors and Omision (E&O) Insurance Benefits

IDA members based in the United States or with a United States-based company or address receive Producer’s Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance Program benefits through IDA’s partnership with Front Row Insurance Brokers. This program is designed to provide coverage for our members’ specific documentary needs at preferential rates. The program can offer discounted premiums compared to the market due to Front Row’s relationships, expertise, and years of experience insuring documentaries. 

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More Benefits Coming Soon!

We are currently working on securing new benefits to support documentarians like you. Some of the benefits we plan to include are new E&O insurance discount provider, post-production, transcription, and music licensing services.

Become an IDA member today