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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.


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Join Louis Massiah and Yvonne Michelle Shirley for a discussion of the legacy of place-based and participatory storytelling.
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Director Ramona Diaz and journalist Maria Ressa discuss documentary journalism, the risks, rewards, and danger of choosing truth in a hostile environment.
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Watch the conversation between Karin Chien & Gary Chou about where power sits in the film industry today and what opportunities there might be for creators to engage with it and reclaim it.
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Join Directors Rebecca Chaiklin and Eric Goode plus EPs Chris Smith and Fisher Stevens for a digital conversation!
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a red carpet on the steps with confettis on the floor.
Learn what's new for the Oscars documentary categories and how they impact the entire film awards season.
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Watch THE LAST DANCE then join us for a digital conversation with Director/Producer Jason Hehir, EP Mike Tollin, and Producer Nina Krstic.
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Watch LANCE then join us for a digital conversation feat. Director/Producer Marina Zenovich, Executive Producers Mike Hughes and Libby Geist, and Editor Allan Duso.
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Join Jeff Goldblum for a digital conversation with Jenelle Riley from Variety!
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Celebrate Pride with Fortune Feimster! Digital Conversation feat. Director Chris Bolan, Producers Alexa Fogel and Brendan Mason, Executive Producer Mary Lisio.