At IDA, we believe in the transformative power of artist-driven storytelling to shape and enrich our shared culture. Being a member of IDA puts you in the center of a community of documentary filmmakers, industry professionals, scholars, students, and those who love and support documentaries. You will want to be a part of this vibrant group of creators.

IDA membership provides you with a roadmap to connect with this community as we gather and convene, share knowledge and information, and advocate for the sustainable future of documentary. IDA membership supports creators and viewers alike and helps filmmakers at all stages of their careers.

With IDA, it’s not just what we do, it’s what we do together.

ORDER  Doc Friend Membership - $70

Become a Doc Friend, the entry point to navigating the world of documentary and being part of the IDA community. As a Doc Friend, you'll stay informed on key developments in the field and gain access to exclusive nonfiction events. IDA’s Doc Friend Members are an important part of our advocacy efforts on behalf of media makers around the globe.

Benefits Include

• Digital IDA Membership Card
• Digital Subscription to Documentary Magazine: Delivered digitally straight to your inbox each quarter.
• Monthly IDA Member Newsletter: Stay up-to-date with the latest news and events.
• Exclusive Invitations to Film Screenings: Enjoy access to over 40 of the year’s best documentaries through our seasonal programming. Doc Friend members are invited to virtual screenings (available globally) and in-person screenings in Los Angeles, complete with live Q&A sessions with filmmakers. Plus, bring a guest (+1) to all in-person events!
• Stream Shortlisted Documentaries: Access the Best Short and Best Feature categories of the IDA Documentary Awards.
• Exclusive Voting Privileges: Participate in voting for the Best Short and Best Feature categories of the IDA Documentary Awards selected each year by IDA members.
• Invitations to IDA Gatherings and Meet-Ups: Join our networking opportunities in Los Angeles, across the U.S., and around the world.
• Access to Monthly IDAconnect Meetings: Participate in virtual networking meetings designed to connect filmmakers and industry professionals.

ORDER  Doc Maker Membership - $110

Elevate your documentary filmmaking craft with a Doc Maker membership. Designed for filmmakers and creators eager to expand their skills, this tier connects you to a global network of professionals while offering resources to help you grow as a storyteller. Don’t live in the United States? Check to see if you qualify for our scaled Doc Maker membership pricing.

Benefits Include

• Access to All Doc Friend Membership Benefits.
• Access to and Listing in the Member Directory: Filterable by location, profession, and services offered.
• Print Subscription to Documentary Magazine: Delivered quarterly to your doorstep, offering insights and inspiration from the world of nonfiction filmmaking.
• Support for International Members with O and P Category Visas: Receive a letter of consultation/no objection for assistance with O and P visa applications to the United States.
• Unlimited Access to the IDA Grants Directory: Regularly updated with funding opportunities to support the growth of your documentary projects.
• Access to IDA Fiscal Sponsorship Program: Leverage IDA’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit status to streamline fundraising efforts for your documentary projects.
• Access to the IDA Job Board: Discover job postings, find new career opportunities, or share job openings within the documentary community.
• Access to the IDA Festival Directory: A valuable resource for planning your festival strategy with over 200 global festivals listed regularly updated.
• Exclusive Submission and Pass Discounts at 20+ Film Festivals Worldwide: Take advantage of special pricing at over 20 prestigious film festivals.
• Partner Discounts on Products and Services: Enjoy discounts on key services like E&O and Production Insurance and more to support your filmmaking journey.
• Year-Round Access to Educational Programming: Gain invaluable insights through IDAinsight sessions and Masterclasses, designed to enhance your skills and knowledge.

• Full Access to IDA’s Educational Video Library: Watch past events, workshops, and masterclasses like Getting Real ‘24 to deepen your expertise.

  New York Benefits: whether you're a resident or just visiting, be sure to access your member benefits from Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN)

• IDA Members Caan Use the MNN Space As Guests: With their IDA membership card, IDA members will be invited on a tour/orientation to sign up for MNN membership, which includes free reservation of our spaces and membership.
• IDA Members Receive a 20% Discount: Save on the rate of $1000 per hour for screening room rentals.
• Quarterly W-I-P Screenings for IDA Members at the MNN Screening Room: Once a quarter, four events a year. (Events are weekday + office hours: 10am - 5pm ET, open to IDA members to show their works in progress to other IDA members and their guests, followed by feedback sessions.)

ORDER  Doc Pro Membership $250

Join the ranks of industry trendsetters with Doc Pro membership, designed for those who want to take their experience to the next level. This membership offers exclusive benefits to help you expand your influence, access premium resources, and continue leading the way in the documentary field.

Benefits Include

• Access to All Doc Maker Membership Benefits.
• Priority Submission Entry for IDA Documentary Awards: Enjoy early and extended entry deadlines for the prestigious IDA Documentary Awards.
• $50 Off a Single IDA Documentary Awards Entry: Save on your submission to the IDA Documentary Awards.
• Early Access to IDA Documentary Award Ceremony Tickets: Get early access to purchase tickets for the IDA Documentary Awards Ceremony.
• Early Access to Getting Real Conference Passes: Get exclusive early access and special membership discounts for the biennial Getting Real conference.
• Discount on Advertisements with IDA: Receive a 10% discount on one Website advertisement on documentary.org to be used within one year.
• Fiscal Sponsorship Application Fee Waiver: Save on the application fee when using IDA’s nonprofit status to fund your documentary projects. To activate fee waiver email Sponsorship@documentary.org.

Impact Circle 

Support the future of documentary storytelling by joining IDA’s Impact Circle, our annual giving group for dedicated advocates of nonfiction film. Enjoy exclusive access and engagement opportunities while directly empowering documentary filmmakers and advancing IDA’s mission to champion bold, independent storytelling.

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Group Membership

Support the next generation of documentary storytellers through IDA’s Group Membership Program. By purchasing Doc Maker memberships in bulk, you help expand access to vital resources, networking, and professional opportunities for emerging and underrepresented filmmakers.

Whether you choose to designate recipients directly or allow IDA to distribute memberships to those in need, your contribution strengthens the documentary community and furthers IDA’s mission to uplift bold, impactful storytelling. Plus, receive a discounted rate when purchasing five or more memberships.

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