Story That Got OFDA Started

We are a group of filmmakers who became concerned about this serious problem in our industry, DISTRIBUTOR ACCOUNTABILITY, because our own experience with distributors and sales agents left us feeling exploited and helpless. 

We screened our documentary HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT at IDFA in November 2003.

IKON in turn screened it in the Netherlands in June of 2004.  They paid a handsome sum for our film, and to this day we are still to see a dime from it.

There were contracts in place to protect us as filmmakers and to ensure that we get paid. Why then did that happen?  (find out more at our press conference this November at IDFA.)

How is it possible for exhibitors and distributors to screen our films and profit from them, but feel free to rob filmmakers off their income? Because distributors know they can do it and get away with it. 

They would think twice about it though if they knew there was a venue set up to unveil their dirty laundry to the whole world.

Thus the need to create a movement that will serve to educate the public, alert filmmakers, and press distributors to become accountable for their actions.

A group of us has thought a lot about it, and being that we are activists in our  lives anyway, we decided to take action at bring these issues to the open air.

Join OFDA BY EMAIL or MEET US AT in Amsterdam during IDFA, November 2005. Where we will reveal the details on the DISTRIBUTORS WHO RIPPED US OFF and how to BEST AVOID THEM. 

A note on film festival responsibility: All film festivals and film markets exist because of the work of the filmmakers and they do a great job in showcasing films, and in creating markets for them. What is missing is the essential step of making sure there is fairness and accountability in the distribution phase.  Because, what good is it for filmmakers if their films make it in the market, but everyone sees the benefit except from them?

OFDA would like to urge every major film festival and film market to create a space and a public event that would give filmmakers an opportunity to share their experiences with distributors. 

Click here if you are a festival representative and would like to HOST AN OFDA EVENT.

Click here if you would like to join us at an OFDA FESTIVAL EVENT.