Protecting and advancing the legal rights of documentary filmmakers is central to the International Documentary Association's mission. IDA is at the forefront of numerous major issues confronting documentary artists, activists and journalists. Recent efforts have focused on promoting net neutrality, fair use and government arts funding, as well as defending filmmakers’ first amendment rights.
February 17, 2019Editor's Note: Hans-Robert Eisenhauer, the longtime documentary commissioning editor at ZDF-Arte and a documentary producer for Ventana-Film, Germany
January 11, 2019To my friends and compatriots in the documentary community - This is Talal Derki. Over the past few years, I have become very close to this
November 16, 2018The International Documentary Association (IDA) believes that documentary storytelling expands our understanding of shared human experience,
October 27, 2018On October 26, 2018, the US Copyright Office modified this exemption for the first time ever, expanding current clearance for documentary films to include some types of fictional films. Now, both nonfiction and fictional filmmakers may use ripped images “where the clip is used for parody or its biographical or historically significant nature.” As a result, filmmakers working on projects like biopics, historical fiction, and parodies like Lonely Island can now access encrypted content without fear of liability.
May 8, 2018The International Documentary Association (IDA) believes that documentary storytelling expands our understanding of shared human experience,
March 1, 2018Journalists and documentary filmmakers often follow parallel paths when stalking their similar prey. They interview witnesses, build stories around