The annual International Documentary Association Awards are in the spotlight of this episode, which was recorded on location in Los Angeles, including a visit to the ceremony at the Paramount Theatre. IDA executive director Simon Kilmurry talks about assuming that role in 2015, the importance of the awards and his organization's mission. Career achievement winner Gordon Quinn of Kartemquin Films reflects on his decades spent making socially conscious documentaries. And award winners Stevan Riley ("Listen to Me Marlon"), Brett Morgen ("Cobain: Montage of Heck") and Matthew Heineman ("Cartel Land") weigh in on their big nights.

The Documentary Podcast recaps some highlights from the Toronto International Film Festival and talks with Oscar-winning director Davis Guggenheim about his film "He Named Me Malala and with the director of "A Flickering Truth," Pietra BrettKelly. Brought to you by the Free Film Festival and Detroit Free Press.

We look back on the 2015 DOCNYC festival with a particular focus on several character-driven films that screened in New York. Director Jon Fox talks about hard-nosed inventor Joseph Newman, the protagonist of "Newman." NBA'er and playground legend Lloyd Daniels is profiled in "The Legend of Swee Pea," which is represented by director Benjamin May. And Michel Negroponte, the co-director of "An Autobiography of Michelle Maren" also joins the episode.