Skip to main content

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
POV Digital Lab is a weekend media incubator for digital storytelling with a track record of launching funded, award-winning and highly viewed work. Over two days, teams work with experts and mentors to build media prototypes merging storytelling and technology. At our Sunday evening screening and
Image
Join us for another exciting event in the IDA Conversation Series, an exploration of the work of Academy Award-nominated filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady. The evening will feature a clips program and lively conversation between Heidi, Rachel and series host/interviewer Ben Mankiewicz.
Image
Based on The Overnighters by Jesse Moss, this unique storytelling experience will explore the intersection of documentary film, investigative journalism and live theater.
Image
In conjunction with Getting Real ’16, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is pleased to present an evening dedicated to early documentary film adventures and discoveries. Experience two fascinating true stories of early documentaries: the search for Kukan (1941), a formerly lost Academy
Image
In Stevie, filmmaker Steve James returns to Pomona, a beautiful rural hamlet in Southern Illinois to reconnect with Stevie Fielding, for whom James once served as an advocate Big Brother. He finds that the once difficult, awkward child has become - ten years later - an angry and troubled young man
Image
Presented in partnership with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Digital Diaspora Family Reunion is a live and virtual touring roadshow that invites you to explore the narratives within your family photograph albums. A project developed by filmmaker and Academy member Thomas Allen
Image
Join the IDA and Cinefamily for a rare opportunity to interface with the man behind the curtain.
Image
Join the IDA and AFS for an intimate non-fiction storytelling workshop with documentary director Jeff Feuerzeig.
Image
los angeles 6360 Sunset Blvd.Hollywood, CA 90028 & new york 323 Sixth Ave. at W. 3rd St.New York, New York 10014 Welcome to IDA's 13th Annual DocuWeeks™ Theatrical Documentary Showcase Since its debut in 1997, Docuweeks™ has presented over 133 short and feature length documentaries to appreciative