At its heart, Rural Cinema is about harnessing the power of story to drive change. The program trains environmental justice organizers to use film as a tool to bring people together, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire action on the challenges their communities face. With hands-on training, access to films, and funding to host their own … Continued
The Working Films team had the chance to work with Cheris Singleton-Irizary this summer through the Nonprofit Internship Program hosted by the NC Network of Grantmakers. Cheris is a Child Development major at Meredith College and originally from Wilmington, NC. Her passion for community care, arts, and youth empowerment and resourcing caught our eye, and … Continued
How do film screenings build community in rural and small towns? Andy Myers, Director of Campaigns and Strategy, chats with Ava Auen-Ryan, community organizer with Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement (Iowa CCI). They discuss how relationship building is at the center of rural organizing. Leading with intentionality, organizers can use the power of story and … Continued
The mission of law & disorder is to expose, agitate and build a new world where all of us can thrive. But how do we get there? How do we build a world many of us have only seen in our dreams? That’s where we believe the artists come in. So, each week we feature … Continued
The Cucalorus Works-in-Progress (WiP) Lab supports social justice documentaries with a focus on Black storytelling. Co-designed and coordinated by Working Films, participating artists will receive feedback on their work-in-progress and explore audience engagement strategies through workshops, consultations, and community screenings during a residency at Cucalorus’ campus from April 22-29, 2025. Now in its 17th year, the Works-in-Progress Lab … Continued
Working Films was founded on the premise that Story Leads to Action. And for 25 years, we’ve made that tagline a reality by building trusting relationships between filmmakers and organizers, ensuring that when the lights come up after a film, audiences have meaningful ways to plug into efforts for change. Two and a half decades … Continued
For the first time ever, Cucalorus and Working Films are inviting the public to experience the 2025 Works-in-Progress Lab—an immersive residency that champions independent filmmakers telling powerful stories of social justice. Taking place April 22-29, 2025, at Jengo’s Playhouse in downtown Wilmington, the Lab provides hands-on guidance in audience engagement and accountable storytelling. Each evening, … Continued
Join Working Films and some of your favorite storytellers and changemakers for a one-of-a-kind evening in San Francisco. Enjoy delicious appetizers, drinks, and the company of fellow filmmakers, artists, and changemakers as we come together to celebrate 25 years of documentary impact and set our sights on the future. This inspiring gathering will feature co-hosts … Continued
Working Films and our partners at Democracy 2076, Political Research Associates, and Southern Vision Alliance are looking for story-driven short films that will illuminate the growing dangers of fascism and authoritarianism, fostering a shared understanding of the challenges we face and how to push back. Together, through the Docs in Action program, we will fund … Continued