Volunteer at IDA

IDA depends on the generous contribution of time and knowledge of its volunteers to make our programs and events happen. Volunteering is a great way to support IDA, meet like-minded professionals in the filmmaking industry, and gain access to IDA’s informative and sought-after programs and events.

Volunteer opportunities at IDA include our ongoing educational seminars and public events, IDA’s Screening Series, IDA Documentary Awards, and Getting Real. If interested in our year-round volunteer opportunities, please fill out our General IDA Application Form. 

Getting Real ’26

Getting Real is a biennial conference designed for and by documentary practitioners and focused on the business and art of nonfiction storytelling. The seventh edition of Getting Real will celebrate a decade of what is now the largest peer-to-peer gathering of its kind in North America. This year, we are returning to Little Tokyo.  

This four-day event provides a space for the field to hold constructive conversations, build lasting relationships, and tackle the ethical, creative, sustainability, production, and distribution challenges facing our growing community. The core of the conference programming connects participants from diverse independent filmmaking sectors, geographic regions, and professional statuses, platforming the most exciting new and established voices as they dialogue with each other.

To apply for this year’s Getting Real ’26, please fill out our Getting Real ’26 Application.