Film is a powerful vessel and tool for advocacy, making it possible for aspiring creatives to bring awareness to their causes. Recently, many NYFA alums have contributed to films with advocacy at the heart, spreading their message worldwide.
Mariko Ide, an NYFA Documentary alum, served as editor of Dust to Dust, which screened at Tribeca and was the recipient of the 2024 Human/Nature Award for its focus on environmental storytelling. NYFA Producing alum Janek Ambros directed the film Ukrainians in Exile, sharing the stories of Ukrainians undergoing immense challenges with displacement and war. Produced by two-time Oscar winner and NYFA Guest Speaker Janusz Kamiński, as well as Liev Schreiber, the film screened at the American Pavilion’s Emerging Filmmaker Showcase at Cannes.
Exceptional Examples of Awareness and Advocacy in Film
These films are just a few examples of the potential of narrative storytelling, how to deal with sensitive stories, and how film can help audiences learn about pressing worldwide issues. In addition to Ukrainians in Exile and Dust to Dust, there are a number of films that masterfully show how to tell complex, bold, and intense stories. Here are just a few examples of documentaries and narrative fiction films.
Tree of Life (2022)
The heart-wrenching Tree of Life documentary about the 2018 shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue was directed by Trish Adlesic. The film features interviews with survivors, their families, and friends in creating a portrait of the Pittsburgh community’s response to the tragic hate crime that took eleven lives. A screening and subsequent Q&A with Producer Susan Margolin was organized by the NYFA DEI Programming Committee to commemorate Jewish American Heritage Month on the NYC campus.
Pariah (2011)
Pariah, which was recently added to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress, won the Sundance Film Festival’s award for Excellence in Cinematography. Directed and written by Dee Rees, the coming-of-age story and coming-out story is semi-autobiographical and follows the story of a Brooklyn teenager exploring his sexuality. NYFA students can watch Pariah on Infobase, our primary streaming video platform.
After Parkland (2019)
After Parkland brings forth awareness of gun violence in the aftermath of one of the deadliest school shootings in American history. Directed by Jake Lefferman and Emily Taguchi, After Parkland features the students of Parkland and their parents, bringing audiences into their grief and beloved memories of their loved ones.
13th (2016)
13th is a thought-provoking account of the current criminalization of African Americans. Directed and co-written by Ava DuVernay, the film is essential to telling the story of Black history in the United States, and expertly discusses the inequality and imbalance in the American justice system. This must-watch Netflix film reveals the continued racism that impacts African Americans every day and helps to demonstrate the need for necessary change.
Fire (1996)
Fire (1996), starring NYFA Guest Speaker Shabana Azmi, was groundbreaking for its portrayal of two Indian women finding solace and love with each other while in arranged marriages. The film addressed traditions, customs, and religion while demonstrating the need for love, passion, and exploration in life. Azmi, who visited NYFA in 2022 to talk to NYFA New York Producing Chair Neal Weisman and our students, was recently celebrated for her contributions to film.
Food, Inc. (2008)
Food, Inc. brings viewers into food production in America, exposing critical environmental and health issues. Directed by Robert Kenner, the documentary explores where food (mainly produce and meat) comes from in America and also discusses how the agricultural system often leaves farmers indebted and struggling to make ends meet. The sequel, Food Inc. 2, will explore the new trends in plant-based food and is set to come out soon.
The Assistant (2019)
Julia Garner stars in this film that follows an assistant to a filmmaking executive. As the film progresses, Jane (Garner) begins to witness abuses of power and sexism in her work environment, touching on the very real aspects of the #MeToo movement in Hollywood. Directed and written by Kitty Green, the film picked up many wins at festivals and was applauded for its realistic portrayal of a young woman working in an insidious and toxic workplace.
To Be Takei (2014)
Directed by Jennifer M. Kroot, To Be Takei (2014) follows actor George Takei as he shares his experiences as a closeted Asian actor working in Hollywood on one of the most popular science fiction shows in history. Takei also shares his experience of being interned during World War II and discusses the historical discrimination against Japanese-Americans. The film also showcases Takei’s ongoing activism for LGBTQ+ rights.
Fruitvale Station (2013)
Fruitvale Station, the 2013 winner of the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award for U.S. dramatic film starred Michael B. Jordan and was directed by Ryan Coogler. The biographical film was about the last day of 22-year-old Oscar Grant III, a San Francisco resident known for his kindness and generosity. NYFA students can watch Fruitvale Station on Infobase, our primary streaming video platform.
The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2012)
Adapted from the novel, The Reluctant Fundamentalist (2012) reveals the prejudice post 9/11 for Muslims – or anyone appearing to be Muslim. Directed by NYFA Guest Speaker Mira Nair, the film features Riz Ahmed as Changez Khan, a Pakistani man living in America who experiences racism right after the September 11th attacks, which changed the course of his life. The film premiered at the 2012 Venice Film Festival.
Thank You for Your Service (2017)
Thank You for Your Service, which stars Miles Teller, Beulah Koale, and Whale Rider’s Keisha Castle-Hughes, brings necessary awareness to veterans and post-traumatic stress from combat. Following a platoon of men returning from Iraq, the film shows the struggles of assimilating back into civilian life and the various challenges that soldiers face. Directed and co-written by Jason Hall, the film was credited for its realistic portrayal of PTSD and the impact it can have on soldiers and their families.
For an entire list of film recommendations, please visit our Letterboxd! Please note that some content on this list is rated R and for mature audiences. There may be some violent/explicit content. Please read reviews before watching.
Advocacy Through Film at NYFA
At NYFA, visual storytellers can learn how to master their discipline of choice, whether they aspire to write, direct, produce, or act in their own films. NYFA offers a range of hands-on programs in several areas of study including Filmmaking, Screenwriting, Producing, Acting, and more. Ready to learn how to bring your unique voice to the screen? Request more information about NYFA today!