Can you share some of the key films you are releasing this fall that you think would resonate with librarians/educators?
Our latest documentary Public Defender premiered at Mountainfilm and won the “Moving Mountains Award”. It will be released by The New Yorker this Fall. The documentary explores the remarkable relationship between a liberal public defender in Washington, DC, and her clients involved in the January 6th Capitol riot, delving into how Americans, divided by political differences, can confront and bridge their divides.
The film emphasizes the importance of staying engaged and proactive, cutting through disinformation and fostering meaningful dialogue in safe spaces. When I think of those safe spaces, my mind immediately turns to libraries and educational institutions, where people can gather to have difficult conversations that lead to a more informed, understanding and engaged community.
Additionally, we’ve launched a podcast called The People’s Recorder, which will continue through the Fall. This series examines how history is recorded and the power of being heard, using the 1930s Federal Writers’ Project as a lens to view America then and now. It highlights how issues from the Great Depression mirror today’s national debates, such as critical race theory, climate change, immigration, and the question of what it means to be American. We’re thrilled to share that the National Endowment for the Humanities has awarded us a grant to produce a second season. With this grant, we will develop an audience engagement initiative, in consultation with the American Library Association, to create library programming for local communities and educational institutions centered around the podcast.
Will any of your films come with educational resources or guides that teachers can use in conjunction with the film?
Absolutely. Spark Media is deeply committed to educational outreach for all our productions. We put as much effort into outreach as we do into production because community resonance is just as important to us as what appears on screen.
For Public Defender, we are partnering with the Pulitzer Center to create a discussion guide for use in schools and libraries. This film encourages audiences to engage in challenging conversations about our current cultural and political polarization. These discussions are tough because people hold strong and deeply rooted beliefs. The aim of our film is not to change someone's political views but to help both sides better understand each other's perspectives. This process requires patience, empathy, and listening. The guide will provide techniques and specific questions to promote constructive dialogue, making it a valuable tool for schools aiming to foster open, civic discussions.
We are also developing a programming guide for The People’s Recorder podcast. This guide will provide additional background information on the Federal Writers’ Project, context on the issues faced in the 1930s, and their relevance today. It will include discussion questions, further reading guides, and program templates to help schools and libraries create events centered around the podcast.
How do you accommodate institutions with varying budget levels?
We understand the financial challenges of small, nonprofits because we are a small, enterprising organization ourselves. We know what it’s like to punch above our weight. That's why we offer different pricing for nonprofits, libraries, and educational organizations. If your budget is particularly tight, just reach out to us at info@sparkmedia.org and we'll do our best to find a way to make it work!
How do you envision your films contributing to long-term educational goals or initiatives in schools?
Most of Spark Media’s films address issues that continue to resonate with audiences, whether in the general public or the classroom. We always strive to find opportunities to bring our films, including those in our back catalog, to schools. For example, my first feature documentary, Partners of the Heart, was broadcast on American Experience in 2003. Then, over a decade later we hosted three “Celebration of Excellence” events at a Baltimore high school committed to preparing students for careers in science and medicine. With support from Maryland Humanities, these “Celebration of Excellence” events featured screenings of Partners of the Heart and facilitated round table mentorship discussions with physicians of color and internship coordinators from Johns Hopkins.
We’re always excited to collaborate with libraries to bring more of these enriching programs to life. If you have ideas on how our films or podcasts can support your library’s goals or be integrated into an event, please reach out to us!
How can your films engage public library patrons, and what themes or topics do you think will resonate with them?
Libraries are the heartbeat of our communities, offering essential services and fostering civic health. We highly value their role and have consistently partnered with them to create engaging programs for local communities. At our Summer 2024 premiere of Public Defender, we partnered with the Wilkinson Library in Telluride to promote a book drive for incarcerated individuals. The library generated significant buzz, contributing scores of books collected onsite. Even after we left the Rocky Mountains, the library continued to support the initiative by sending us more books for Spanish-speaking inmates.
Most of our films resonate with library patrons because they focus on the essence of humanity. By telling personal stories, we introduce broader themes that spark meaningful dialogue on important issues. For example, Scattering CJ isn’t just about suicide prevention; it tells the story of a mother grappling with her grief and finding the courage to become a powerful advocate. The aim is to ignite conversations about mental health, finding resources, and understanding that it’s okay to seek help. Libraries, along with schools, provide a safe space for these vital discussions.
We also recognize that libraries are often underfunded. To support this form of enriched programming, we collaborate with local sponsors and apply for grants. In 2009, we partnered with the American Library Association on an NEH-funded grant to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the New Deal. This initiative resulted in innovative and exciting programs in over 30 libraries and 80 museums nationwide. Some standout events included: conducting intergenerational oral histories, producing live performances of 1930’s style radio theater, catering with 1930s-era food, encouraging patrons to dress in period clothing, and organizing parades featuring antique cars from the era. These activities were not only fun but also educational, helping local participants get a feel for the New Deal era and its lasting impacts that still resonate today.
Are there any specific resources or support your company offers to librarians or educators to help them effectively incorporate your films into their collections/classrooms?
We bring our boundless enthusiasm and creative resources to enrich all our collaborations. Most of our films come with educational viewers' guides, and we are always eager to partner with schools and libraries to create engaging programs. This includes both our new projects and our "back catalog."
The issues our films cover—such as representation in the medical community, women’s rights, suicide prevention and grief counseling, and health disparities—remain highly relevant. It’s crucial to continue these conversations. We are always ready and excited to work with libraries and schools to develop new and impactful programming for local communities, students, and educators.
What can you share about any exciting projects or films slated for release in 2025 that our readers should be aware of?
Keep your eyes peeled – or rather, your ears, for the second season of The People’s Recorder. In our next season, launching Fall, 2025, we’ll delve even deeper into the world of the Federal Writers’ Project and explore what it all means today. In the meantime, you can enjoy Season 1 and get ready for more insightful and engaging content. Keep an eye out for updates!