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The IDA Announces Partnership with the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press to Support Documentary FIlmmakers

By IDA Editorial Staff

Los Angeles, California - The International Documentary Association (IDA) and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP) are partnering to support documentary filmmakers funded through IDA’s Enterprise Documentary Fund.

Supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, IDA's Enterprise Fund will provide grants totalling $1 million annually for four years to support the production and development of documentary films taking on in-depth exploration of contemporary stories through a journalistic lens. The Reporters Committee will provide essential expertise to funded projects on issues around newsgathering and the First Amendment.

"Independent documentarians are increasingly investigating complex and essential current affairs stories – covering issues that need considerable time and resources to develop," said Carrie Lozano, Director of IDA's Enterprise Fund. "The partnership between IDA and RCFP will provide much needed legal support for filmmakers who are often working without this necessary expertise."

The Project will enable documentarians to report important stories more effectively; journalists to utilize film more artfully; and all who work in these fields to achieve their goals in greater safety and with greater impact. "The MacArthur Foundation has long supported work at the intersection of journalism and documentary projects," said Kathy Im, Director of the Journalism and Media program at MacArthur. "Together, these exemplary organizations, both of which we’re proud to support, will protect this critical work and make it even more impactful."  

"We're pleased to have this opportunity to expand our work with the community of investigative journalists who work in film," said Reporters Committee Litigation Director Katie Townsend. "Our partnership with IDA will empower independent and documentary filmmakers to continue to tackle the toughest subjects and bring important stories to light."

IDA’s Enterprise Documentary Fund is currently accepting projects for consideration for production support. The deadline to apply is May 26.

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