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Panels & Workshops

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


Wed. December 7, 2022 @ 2:00 - 3:30pm PT
In this workshop, IDA’s Director of Artist Programs Abby Sun will walk filmmakers through the process of developing a film festival strategy that takes the particular expectations, needs, and prospects of your individual film into account. Guest speaker Chase Whiteside (América, co-directed with Erick Stoll) will provide a case study drawing on his own experiences navigating the film festival circuit with and without a sales agent.

Wed. December 7, 2022 @ 2:00 - 3:30pm PT
In this workshop, IDA’s Director of Artist Programs Abby Sun will walk filmmakers through the process of developing a film festival strategy that takes the particular expectations, needs, and prospects of your individual film into account. Guest speaker Chase Whiteside (América, co-directed with Erick Stoll) will provide a case study drawing on his own experiences navigating the film festival circuit with and without a sales agent.

Mon. November 7, 2022 @ 9:30am PT
Karin Chien from Distribution Advocates will walk us through a scan of the distribution landscape and talk with independent filmmakers Stephen Maing (Untitled Amazon Union Documentary, Crime + Punishment) and Emma D. Miller (What We Leave Behind, Untitled Mistress Dispeller Project) to shed some light the seemingly shadowy and intimidating world of distribution.

Tue. August 30, 2022 @ 2:00pm CT
This panel takes a step by step approach to demystifying tax incentives and helping documentary filmmakers better understand how to utilize them.

Wed. October 6, 2021 @ 10:00am PT
This conversation brings together human rights experts, advocates, filmmakers, and mental health professionals to discuss what it means to ethically document survivors' stories, the potential for shared standards across fields, and the meaning of informed consent in a media context.

Wed. May 26, 2021 @ 10:00am PT
Hear from a member of the working group, a mentor/mentee editing team, and industry producers who are working towards change in the edit room.

Mon. April 26, 2021 @ 10:00am PT
Hear about a spectrum of field-led research efforts and the activism it inspires. Researchers and activists will discuss a range of research methods and strategies for putting the results to work for change.

Mon. June 29, 2020 @ 3:00pm PDT
Learn what's new for the Oscars documentary categories and how they impact the entire film awards season.

Tue. April 7, 2020 @ 9:00am PDT
Firelight Media, IDA, and ITVS invite you to an hour-long webinar to learn the basics of applying for the various SBA programs.

Mon. April 6, 2020 @ 12:00pm PDT
Firelight Media, IDA, and ITVS invite you to an hour-long webinar to learn the basics of applying for the various SBA programs.