The documentary world is expanding, and Getting Real ’26 is here to examine what that means. This summer, we will explore what it might mean to bridge the gap between industrial reality and the expanding world of documentary filmmaking. What does documentary look like when we follow it beyond the
Here's What Really Happened
No tweeting. No press. No industry. Filmmakers-only conversations revealing personal insights into the art and business of documentary filmmaking.
“Here’s What Really Happened” are signature sessions from IDA's biennial Getting Real Conference that began as a filmmaker-led solution to combat the lack of transparency that continues to plague the community. These intimate conversations allow filmmakers to speak openly about what actually happened in the production, sales and distribution life of a film. The rules are, everything said in the room, stays in the room. Our goal is to create a safe space for discussion that allows filmmakers to have frank, meaningful discussions without the influence of industry in the room. We believe that one of the greatest resources for a filmmaker is another filmmaker.
In building a more knowledgeable and transparent community together, IDA tours “Here’s What Really Happened” sessions to various festivals and conferences around the world. These private conversations have focused on security/surveillance, sales agents, festival strategies, fact-finding, ethics, work/family life balance, truth-seeking in production, and other themes.
Learn what really happened behind-the-scenes in an upcoming session. It’s personal, it’s intimate, let’s get into it.
Image
-
Join us for a screening of ESPN’s acclaimed documentary series ’30 for 30’ at NYA Studios West, with a conversation panel with producer Carolyn Hepburn, producer Marquis Daisy, Director of Boo-Yah: A Portrait of Stuart Scott, Andre Gaines, and followed by a reception. From iconic triumphs to hidden
Image
-
Join Documentary magazine as we reveal the results of our “Greatest Docs of the 21st Century” poll. The hour-long virtual event will serve as an exclusive preview of the magazine’s 2025 poll results and will feature special guests unveiling the 25 projects that topped the list. About the poll: In
Image
-
Presented by Amazon MGM Studios x IDA (International Documentary Association) Join us for a screening of John Candy: I Like Me , followed by a conversation with Colin Hanks (Director/Producer), moderated by Stacey Wilson Hunt, at 7:00 PM PT on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Soho House West Hollywood
Image
-
A virtual IDA members only event For documentary filmmakers, award submissions can feel both exciting and overwhelming, especially as they navigate evolving guidelines, eligibility requirements, and other factors. Whether you are submitting for the first time or returning with a new project
Image
-
Join for a screening of EDHI ALICE followed by a conversation with Edhi and Alice, and Director Ilrhan Kim, Producer Sona Jo, and Assistant Director/Associate Producer Ohyeon Kwon Presented by GYOPO x IDA (International Documentary Association) x PINKS
Image
-
Core Strength: Virtual IDA Members Workshop. IDA will host an in-person Core App evening workshop. At the IDA offices, filmmakers in LA seeking to edit and hone their application language are welcome to attend. Submit an Interest Form with a sample of your writing to register for the event.
Image
-
This multi-part program is designed to provide documentary filmmakers with practical legal tools to identify, assess, and reduce risk throughout the life of a project. The sessions will emphasize best practices that help filmmakers protect their work, secure their rights, strengthen their projects
Image
-
Join Film In Mind for a reflective hour, an opportunity to reconnect with your project and set intentions to sustain you throughout the next stages of production. This facilitated workshop will invite you to pause, step outside of the demands of production for a moment, and reset.
Image
-
On March 12, 2026, join IDA to celebrate the arrival of Documentary magazine’s latest issue. We will gather at All Season Brewing Company for a casual mixer where IDA members can get to know the folks behind Documentary and learn what goes into producing a print publication solely devoted to the