Current's Laura Ling and Euna Lee Present Special Tribute at IDA Documentary Awards

The 2009 IDA Documentary Awards will recognize filmmakers and film journalists who displayed conspicuous bravery in the pursuit of truth--and put Freedom of Speech above all else, including their own personal safety, in a special “Courage Under Fire” tribute to be presented by Current Media journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee.

In March of this year Ling and Lee were reporting on the trafficking of North Korean women who are fleeing poverty and repression only to end up being exploited across the border in neighboring China. Ling and Lee were apprehended by North Korean soldiers while filming along the Tumen River, which separates China and North Korea. They were sentenced to 12 years in a North Korean labor prison for illegal entry and unspecified hostile acts. After 140 days in captivity, Ling and Lee were eventually pardoned, and they returned to the United States following an unannounced visit to North Korea by former US President Bill Clinton on August 4, 2009.

The 2009 IDA Documentary Awards will take place on Friday, Dec. 4 at 8 pm at the Directors Guild of America, 7920 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA.

Join us at the 2009 IDA Documentary Awards!

That evening, the IDA will also award its prestigious 2009 Career Achievement Award to legendary and innovative filmmaker Errol Morris. 

The IDA will also honor Michael Donaldson with 2009 Amicus Award.

Ira Glass, host and producer of This American Life, will be host the 2009 IDA Documentary Awards.

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