Our Mission
Documentary storytelling expands our understanding of shared human experience, fostering an informed, compassionate, and connected world.
The International Documentary Association (IDA) is dedicated to building and serving the needs of a thriving documentary culture.
Through its programs, the IDA provides resources, creates community, and defends rights and freedoms for documentary artists, activists, and journalists.
Education
The IDA offers a wide range of opportunities for documentarians of all experience levels to grow professionally by enhancing their knowledge of the craft and business of nonfiction filmmaking.
Funding
Through its fiscal sponsorship and grant programs, the IDA awards more than $1 million annually to help filmmakers obtain the financing they need to bring their stories to the screen.
Advocacy
From free speech to fair use to government funding for the arts, the IDA is at the forefront of major issues confronting documentary artists, activists and journalists.
Public Programs and Events
Through its prestigious IDA Documentary Awards, as well as its Screening Series and DocuDay, the organization honors and promotes the world's best documentary filmmaking.