Mission

Vision

We are 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.

What We Do

For 40 years, IDA has supported nonfiction filmmaking and filmmakers through our major program areas. 

In service of our mission, IDA provides production and development grants directly to documentary filmmakers and helps them fundraise for their project through our Fiscal Sponsorship Program.

Our year-round programming includes conversations with seasoned filmmakers and industry leaders, as well as educational seminars for documentarians of all experience levels to grow professionally by enhancing their knowledge of the craft and business of nonfiction filmmaking.

Annually, we produce the IDA Documentary Awards, celebrating the best nonfiction projects of the year, as well as the IDA Documentary Screening Series, bringing both films and the creators to industry insiders and film enthusiasts. Our biennial conference, Getting Real, is the only peer-to-peer gathering of its kind in North America.

We publish the Documentary magazine, serving the documentary community with engaging, pragmatic and provocative coverage of the documentary field in online and linking the local and international communities of nonfiction makers.

As an advocate for documentary artists, activists and journalists, IDA issues statements, calls to action and op-eds, and coordinates with other organizations, networks and individuals, depending on the issues being addressed.

Whether you are a filmmaker, industry professional, film school, film institution, or documentary-loving public, you can join the IDA family by becoming a member of our global community.