Illinois Public Media’s Reel Midwest receives nomination for IDA Documentary Award

Illinois Public Media’s curated independent film series Reel Midwest is nominated for “Best Curated Series” in the upcoming 36th Annual IDA Documentary Awards, hosted by the International Documentary Association (IDA). Reel Midwest joins fellow nominees: 30 for 30, American Experience, American Masters, and Reel South.

“Many people seem to think the best documentaries come from New York or L.A., but the Midwest is blessed to have an extraordinarily creative filmmaking community,” said Moss Bresnahan, CEO of Illinois Public Media. “This nomination is a wonderful recognition for both Reel Midwest and our regional filmmakers, especially within the documentary world. We are truly honored to be among such impressive company.”

Reel Midwest is Illinois Public Media’s original independent film series, aiming to find the best in features, documentaries, and short films in Illinois and across the Midwest. Over its first two seasons, the series has showcased the region’s brightest talents through a selection of thought-provoking documentaries, powerful narrative dramas, and insightful short films.

“The nominees present an inspiring and urgent range of stories from around the globe," said Simon Kilmurry, executive director of the IDA. “The broad range of subjects and approaches to storytelling underscores that documentary is our most exciting form of cultural expression, a vital art form and a crucial element of democratic dialogue.”

According to the IDA, this year they received 1056 submissions, including 365 documentary features, 153 documentary shorts, 153 documentary series, 52 student films, 39 music documentaries and 33 audio documentaries and podcasts. The nominees were selected by independent committees of 191 documentary makers, curators, critics, and industry experts from 25 countries.

The winners will be announced during the virtual 2020 IDA Documentary Awards ceremony on Saturday, January 16, 2021.