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Traveling Initiatives

IDA travels its programming to different festivals and field gatherings to reach documentary filmmakers around the world.


Program Officer Dana Merwin and Enterprise grantee Daresha Kyi of 'Mama Bears' at the SDF Annual Artists Convening Grant Writing Workshop. Photo by Erin Bell

Grant Writing Workshops

IDA takes its Grant Writing Master Class on the road to demystify the application process for more creators around the world. In each city, we not only break down best practices but also enlist IDA-funded filmmakers to share their applications as case studies. Grant-seekers have the unique opportunity to directly hear from their colleagues, learning from their mistakes and successes. Together, our goal is to impart skills and knowledge that will strengthen every documentarian's grant-writing process.

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Here's What Really Happened

Intimate sessions that allow filmmakers to speak openly about what actually happened in the production, sales and distribution life of a film, without the influence of industry in the room. The rules are, everything said in the room, stays in the room. In building a more knowledgeable and transparent community together, “Here’s What Really Happened” travels to various festivals and conferences around the world. 


American Film Showcase

The American Film Showcase (AFS) brings award-winning contemporary American documentaries, independent fiction films, and documentary know-how to audiences around the world, offering a view of American society and culture as seen by independent filmmakers. Funded by a grant from the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and produced by the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts (SCA), the Showcase highlights the value of film in fostering understanding and cooperation, dialogue and debate.

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