When I first started encouraging social issue groups to use documentaries broadcast on the PBS series POV in the early 1990s — and later at Active Voice — faith-based communities seemed like a natural target. After all, they gathered regularly, contemplated collectively, and wanted to make the world a better place. Perfect!
I had only enough common sense to know that Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, and others might have different ways of screening the documentaries I was so passionate about. Over time we forged ahead with strategic campaigns designed, in part, to move congregations to action:
The Heart of the Matter (1994) By Amber Holibaugh and Gini Reticker. Campaign: Connecting the African American church with women with AIDS
Renewal (2008) By Marty Ostrow and Terry Kay Rockefeller. Campaign: Supporting and expanding the religious-environmental movement
New Muslim Cool (2009) By Jennifer Maytorena Taylor. Campaign:
Welcome to Shelbyville (2011) By Kim A. Snyder. Campaign: Immigrant integration inspired by refugees from Muslim majority countries in rural Tennessee)
But, oh boy, did we have a lot to learn. Although each of these projects were ultimately embraced and sustained by faith-rooted communities, we made lots of mistakes, mis-read cues, and more. (Sound familiar, anyone? Ouch.)
That’s why, as a secular media strategist, I was thrilled by the opportunity to work with the Hartley Media Impact Initiative at Auburn Seminary to create Prenups for Filmmakers and Faith-Rooted Partners.
“Many transformational relationships also involve some transactions…While these collaborations should ‘bend towards justice,’ everyone should recognize that time and money are often involved.” – From Prenups for Filmmakers and Faith-Rooted Partners
How did we customize our Prenups for Partners model for these relationships? First, we went into deep listening mode, initially at focus groups facilitated by Hartley. Then we took a deep dive into four documentary-driven impact projects, including separate interviews with the creative teams and their faith-rooted partners, extracting amazing wisdom from these practitioners.
Go behind the scenes:
The Feeling of Being Watched Anya Rous, Co-producer, Multitude Films Kameelah Rashad, Founder and President, Muslim Wellness Foundation
The Armor of LightJamie Dobie, formerly Executive Director, Peace is Loud Stephanie Palumbo, Director of Film Campaigns, Peace is Loud Rob Schenck, Faith Leader, Protagonist
The New Black Yvonne Welbon, ProducerChris Smith, Outreach Consultant Rev. Kamal Hassan, Designated Pastor, Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church
American Muslim Adam Zucker, Director/Producer/Editor/Impact Producer, Longnook Pictures Debra Aaron, Trustee, Brotherhood Synagogue
“A prenup in a Christian marriage can prevent injustice and protect the vulnerable. Among progressive Jews, a signed Ketubah states the responsibilities of partners, one to one another, on an egalitarian footing. The Nikah details the conditions among a Muslim couple that will govern their relationship, even if the union breaks down. All of those documents have witnesses…They are in community. A Prenup for Partners can help us be in right relationship from the start.” — Judith Helfand, Filmmaker
Key finding? Everyone involved in using film to engage spiritual communities approaches their work, and each other, from deeply personal perspectives. That is true whether they’re secular or religious or something else; whether they have a strong point of view on a social issue or still are on a truth-seeking journey; whether they’ve devoted a lifetime to this work or are parachuting in (as some filmmakers do). Proactive conversations about Mission, Method, and Money can make a big difference.
Prenups for Filmmakers and Faith-Rooted Partners was a true team effort
Macky Alston, award-winning filmmaker and iconic (some would say prophetic) communication leader pioneered this work at Auburn Seminary.
Sarah Masters, director of the Hartley Media Impact Initiative is taking it to new levels, funders, and a national scope.
Sahar Driver, Phd, brought her analytical skills and emotional intelligence to all these efforts.
Thanks to these critical thinkers for informing and reviewing our work:
Strategists Anya Rous, Multitude Films Ryan Parker, M.Div, PhD, strategist Will Jenkins, strategist Jamie Dobie, Peace is Loud (formerly)Chris Smith, Outreach Consultant Stephanie Palumbo, Peace is Loud
Faith-Rooted Leaders Rev. Kamal Hassan, Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church Rob Schenck, evangelical minister/public theologian Kameelah Rashad, Muslim Wellness Foundation Debra Aaron, Trustee, Brotherhood Synagogue
Auburn Seminary Caitlin Breedlove, Vice President, Movement Leadership Keisha E. McKenzie, PHD, Interim Program Officer Lisa Anderson, Vice President, Embodied Justice Leadership Sharon Groves, PhD, Vice-President for Partner Engagement
Active Voice Lab Maya Worthy, managing consultantZaldy Serrano, graphic designPaul VanDeCarr, editor Ellen Schneider, director/author
