The International Documentary Association announces partnership with the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press to support documentary filmmakers

The International Documentary Association (IDA) and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP) are partnering to support documentary filmmakers funded through IDA’s Enterprise Documentary Fund.

Supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, IDA’s Enterprise Documentary Fund will provide grants totaling $1 million annually for four years to support the production and development of documentary films taking on in-depth exploration of contemporary stories through a journalistic lens. The Reporters Committee will provide essential expertise to funded projects on issues around newsgathering and the First Amendment.

“Independent documentarians are increasingly investigating complex and essential current affairs stories – covering issues that need considerable time and resources to develop,” said Carrie Lozano, Director of IDA’s Enterprise Fund. “The partnership between IDA and RCFP will provide much needed legal support for filmmakers who are often working without this necessary expertise.”

The Project will enable documentarians to report important stories more effectively; journalists to utilize film more artfully; and all who work in these fields to achieve their goals in greater safety and with greater impact.

“The MacArthur Foundation has long supported work at the intersection of journalism and documentary projects,” said Kathy Im, Director of the Journalism and Media program at MacArthur. “Together, these exemplary organizations, both of which we’re proud to support, will protect this critical work and make it even more impactful.”

“We’re pleased to have this opportunity to expand our work with the community of investigative journalists who work in film,” said Reporters Committee Litigation Director Katie Townsend. “Our partnership with IDA will empower independent and documentary filmmakers to continue to tackle the toughest subjects and bring important stories to light.”

IDA’s Enterprise Fund is currently accepting projects for consideration for production support. The deadline to apply is May 26.

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Documentary storytelling expands our understanding of shared human experience, fostering an informed, compassionate, and connected world. The International Documentary Association (IDA) is dedicated to building and serving the needs of a thriving documentary culture. Through its programs – including filmmaker services, education, advocacy, publications and funding – the IDA provides resources, creates community, and defends rights and freedoms for documentary artists, activists, and journalists. Follow us at: documentary.org | twitter.com/IDAorg | facebook.com/documentary.org.

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. MacArthur is placing a few big bets that truly significant progress is possible on some of the world’s most pressing social challenges, including over-incarceration, global climate change, nuclear risk, and significantly increasing financial capital for the social sector. In addition to the MacArthur Fellows Program, the Foundation continues its historic commitments to the role of journalism in a responsible and responsive democracy, as well as to the strength and vitality of our headquarters city, Chicago. www.macfound.org

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press was founded by leading journalists and media lawyers in 1970 when the nation’s news media faced an unprecedented wave of government subpoenas forcing reporters to name confidential sources. Today it provides pro bono legal representation, amicus curiae support, and other legal resources to protect First Amendment freedoms and the newsgathering rights of journalists. Funded by corporate, foundation and individual contributions, the Reporters Committee serves the nation’s leading news organizations; thousands of reporters, editors, and media lawyers; and many more who use our online and mobile resources. Follow us on Twitter @rcfp.