Skip to main content

Panels & Workshops

Our year-round series of topical seminars led by experts in the documentary field.


Thu. June 13, 2024 @ 10:00 - 11:00am PT
We strongly encourage you to watch the Open Call Info Video Series before attending this Office Hours session. During this session, the IDA Funds team will be able to answer individual questions about your application and any questions you may have about whether or not your project is eligible to

Tue. June 4, 2024 @ 7:30 - 9:00am PT
If you live outside the United States, reviewed the Open Call Info Video Series, and still have questions about the Open Call Applications, then these Office Hours are perfect for you! As non-USA applicants, you may have questions about eligibility, our guidelines, how we evaluate projects, and how

Tue. October 24, 2023 @ 2:00 - 3:30pm PT
IDA’s SPECTRES is a two-part forum with documentary producers, directors, academics, and security experts that attempts to demystify digital security and its need within documentary production. This series will culminate in a best practices field guide for documentarians and a burner OS that allows makers to ingest, edit, and communicate securely.

Thu. October 19, 2023 @ 9:30 - 11:00am PT
What are the ethics of using Deep Fakes to anonymize sources in non-fiction media? What are the layers of consent that require consideration? What are the futures, the risks, and the opportunities of these types of manipulations? What strategies can non-fiction media makers (journalists, documentarians, and artists) implement to navigate the complex landscape of these technologies?

Wed. September 27, 2023 @ 2:00 - 3:30pm PT
As our everyday lives become progressively computational, the majority of our actions are increasingly trackable. This presents new challenges, ethical concerns, and emerging production realities that documentary practitioners must navigate. SPECTRES is a two part forum with documentary producers, directors, academics, and security experts that attempts to demystify digital security and its need within documentary production. This series will culminate in a best practices field guide for documentarians and a burner OS that allows makers to ingest, edit, and communicate securely, which will be published in 2024.

Wed. September 20, 2023 @ 10:00am - 12:00pm PT
This workshop titled "Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained: Getting Started" will guide you through identifying how to position your filmmaking practices and projects for a potential documentary market.

Thu. July 27, 2023 @ 1:00 - 2:30pm PST
Do you want to take the Nonfiction Media Makers with Disabilities Survey but are struggling with the motivation and/or focus to complete it independently? Join IDA staff for a virtual accountability or body doubling survey-taking session.

Thu. July 20, 2023 @ 1:00 - 2:00pm PST
For Disability Pride Month, join artist thai Lu in an interactive sensory workshop. In this 60 minutes workshop, artists Thai Lu will build knowledge around neurodivergence through the everyday ritual of getting dressed. The term Neurodivergence encompasses brain functioning that processes information differently than typically considered. This workshop is open to current and previous IDA members and community supporters.

Wed. July 19, 2023 @ 9:30 - 11:00am PT
Join Emmy®-winning filmmaker Lindsey Dryden and filmmaker & writer Kyla Harris in a workshop on Disability Justice, disabled-led creativity, and accessibility in the film and TV industry.

Fri. July 7 - Mon. July 10, 2023 @ All day PT
From July 7-10, 2023, IDA will bring together a diverse group of researchers, artists, curators, creative technologists, poets, and collectives for an in-person convening in Los Angeles, CA.