Inspired by Education Organizers at the CPER Convening

Recently, I spent two days at the Communities for Public Education Reform (CPER) convening, an amazing gathering of grassroots education organizers and the foundations that support their work. I went to support the Reel Education filmmakers and others who were leading a panel discussion, “Moving Hearts and Minds: Connecting Filmmaking and Organizing.” Because of their … Continued

The “Pink Sheep” of the family

Growing up as a queer teenager in the South was very confusing and isolating. Often, I heard my parents refer to out of the ordinary members of our family as “black sheep.” A part of me always sided with the black sheep because a majority of the time I felt misunderstood. Fast forward 10 years … Continued

If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front at Sheffield Doc/Fest

Story Leads to Action Sheffield Doc/Fest Venue: The Crucible Studio Friday, June 10, 10:00am Moderators: Working Films co-founders Robert West & Judith Helfand Story Leads to Action makes the process of community engagement interactive and transparent. Join Working Films UK and Sheffield Doc/Fest as we craft the first steps in an interactive campaign for Marshall … Continued

Closing out Story Leads to Action with Monica & David

Monica & David by Alexandra Codina May 19th 7:30pm At 92Y Tribeca (New York, NY) Closing out the 2010-2011 season, Monica & David is the love story of two adults with Down syndrome, and the family who strives to support their needs. Full of humor, romance and everyday family drama, Monica and David want what … Continued

Closing out Story Leads to Action with Monica & David

Monica & David by Alexandra Codina May 19th 7:30pm At 92Y Tribeca (New York, NY) Closing out the 2010-2011 season, Monica & David is the love story of two adults with Down syndrome, and the family who strives to support their needs. Full of humor, romance and everyday family drama, Monica and David want what … Continued

Using media to make sure every student in the U.S. is an “American Graduate”

Did you know that over one million kids drop out of high school every year in the United States? When I heard that number I was floored. Thinking of one million young people who won’t finish school this year is overwhelming. The good news? There is creative work being done across the nation to make … Continued

Reel Power at Power Shift

“We’re here at Power Shift. We get down to business. We get down to action.” – JOSH FOX, Director of Gasland Before a packed house of 8,000 youth climate activists, Gasland Director Josh Fox welcomed the enthusiastic crowd with his banjo and a call to action. Josh’s message was simple – natural gas is not … Continued

The Good Pitch heads to NYC

The Channel 4 BRITDOC Foundation, in partnership with the Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program, is bringing the Good Pitch to NYC on May 20th 2011. The pitch will be hosted at the Ford Foundation as they join the Tides Foundation, the Fledgling Fund, Chicken & Egg Pictures, Impact Partners, Crosscurrents Foundation and a number of … Continued

Global Social Change Film Festival & Institute

Well, sometimes opportunities are so unique and exotic that you can’t turn them down. The Global Social Change Film Festival and Institute invited me, through the kind recommendation of filmmaker Lexi Leban, to present at their upcoming gig. Located in lush Ubad, regarded as the cultural center of Bali, and opening on April 13, the … Continued

Global Social Change Film Festival & Institute

Well, sometimes opportunities are so unique and exotic that you can’t turn them down. The Global Social Change Film Festival and Institute invited me, through the kind recommendation of filmmaker Lexi Leban, to present at their upcoming gig. Located in lush Ubad, regarded as the cultural center of Bali, and opening on April 13, the … Continued