Earlier this week, the International Documentary Association named its new Executive Director, Michael Lumpkin, a former exec with Frameline in San Francisco. From the release:

“Lumpkin is an experienced executive leader with over 20 years at the helm of Frameline, an international media arts organization that presents the San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival, operates Frameline Distribution, and runs other important programs providing funding and training to filmmakers. He brings to IDA an outstanding track record of innovative programming, successful fundraising, effective financial and operational management and strong community support, and maintains valuable alliances with members of the film, philanthropic and business communities. Michael was also co-producer of the landmark documentary THE CELLULOID CLOSET, and has served on international festival juries including the Berlin International Film Festival and the Sundance Film Festival.”

Eddie Schmidt, who served as the interim ED, is taking over for diane estelle Vicari as President of the Board. Lots of changes at IDA – best of luck all in your new roles.

I’m late to report this but since there are still tickets, I figured I’d mention it. This Friday, the International Documentary Association will hold their annual Documentary Awards in Los Angeles. The evening will be hosted by Morgan Spurlock, and various career achievement awards will go to Werner Herzog, Rob Epstein and Sam Pollard, among others.

The films up for the Feature Award are:

Kassim the Dream by Kief Davidson
Man on Wire by James Marsh
Stranded: I’ve Come From a Plane That Crashed in the Mountains by Gonzalo Arijón
Waltz with Bashir by Ari Folman
Young @ Heart by Stephen Walker

There is also a new-this-year Audience Award. If you are an IDA Member and haven’t voted, it looks like you can still cast a vote. On their site, you can see the whole list of nominees and films that have already won awards at the IDA website. There are links to trailers as well, which is great. With the Academy Award short list out and these nominations, there is quite an honor roll of this year’s docs to keep you busy during Awards season.

I was stunned to see a message from International Documentary Association Executive Director Sandra Ruch that as of today she has resigned her position. Ruch has been at the helm of the organization since I first dipped my toes in the documentary pool that I have since fallen into completely. She has helped the organization remain relevant and vital during hard times for documentary and for nonprofit film organizations, so I’m more than bummed to hear that she is moving on. Board president diane estelle Vicari will serve as interim ED. Maybe we’ll get lucky and she’ll take on the post.

Despite my woe, I’m sending my very best wishes to Sandra as she explores new ventures. She is leaving the IDA on a high note, and it will be exciting to see what she comes up with next in her career. (Pictured: me with Sandra and diane estelle at Hot Docs 2007. Photo by Joel Heller.)