The IDA has been awarded a generous $10,000 grant from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) to support IDA's acclaimed Doc U program, a series of hands-on educational seminars for aspiring and experienced documentary filmmakers. This grant allows the IDA to better support the educational needs of the documentary filmmakers we serve.

The donations, totaling over $1.5 million, were handed out at the Grants and Installation Lunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel on August 4, where actress Elizabeth Moss (Mad Men) accepted the check on IDA's behalf.

Upcoming Doc U events include Writing for the Non-Fiction Screen, which will feature writer/producer and IDA Board Executive Member Sara Hutchison, writer/producer and IDA Board Member Steven Reich (Avalanche: The White Death), writer/producer Sharon Wood (Straight from the Heart, The Celluloid Closet), writer/producer P.G. Morgan (Revenge of the Electric Car) and writer/director/producer Freida Lee Mock (Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision). Past Doc Us have focused on topics ranging from making the perfect trailer to women who have devoted their lives to the art of verité.

We are so grateful for the HFPA’s generosity and dedication to our community. Thanks, HFPA!