Spark Media

01/17/2025

We are honored to be shortlisted with such impactful and wonderful documentaries for the 2025 SIMA Awards. THANK YOU!

"These films do more than document our world; they celebrate the extraordinary resolve of individuals and communities who rise, despite the weight of uncertainty, to forge a path toward hope."

- SIMA Studios + Awards

See the full shortlist: https://simaawards.org/2025-FINALISTS/

01/17/2025

01/16/2025

Thank you Wisconsin Humanities for sharing this episode of The People’s Recorder.

To all our Spark friends out there, definitely check out the great work Wisconsin Humanities is doing and their terrific Human Powered podcast, available now wherever you get your podcasts!

Listen up! We are excited to share a wonderfully Wisconsin episode of The People’s Recorder from Spark Media. Listen to Human Powered wherever you get your podcasts: https://pod.link/1527321744

The People’s Recorder tells stories about the Federal Writers’ Project, which was created by the Federal government as part of the New Deal during the Great Depression to provide jobs to out-of-work writers. The podcast traverses the country to explore the Project’s legacy — what it achieved, where it fell short, and what it means for Americans today.

The episode we are sharing is called “A Voice for the Land.” It features Nationally influential UW-Madison professor and wildlife expert Aldo Leopold, who brought a new way of thinking about how people engage with nature during the Dust Bowl era. When the Federal Writers’ Project recruited him to write for the WPA Guide to Wisconsin, he described a path toward the modern environmental movement in a section called 'Conservation.'

In this episode, you’ll hear some clips from the first season of Human Powered, when we spoke with Leopold’s biographer, Curt Meine. Be sure to check out that episode, called “Stories from the Flood,” next!

The People’s Recorder is produced by Spark Media with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities , Florida Humanities , Virginia Humanities , California Humanities , Humanities Nebraska and Wisconsin Humanities.

01/13/2025

Our friends at Incite Agency for Change are hosting a FREE training event on January 27th at 5pm PST. The event is "designed to help family, friends and community members have life-saving conversations with individuals who may be thinking of su***de or during times of crisis."

We've taken their training before and definitely recommend it. Charlette and Michelle at Incite Agency for Change are truly excellent facilitators and we learned so much!

Learn more and register here: https://www.inciteforchange.org/event-details/oregon-community-calm-4?fbclid=IwY2xjawHxWv5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHcQtI0J2agxhMhHAyssoNgfuMba-MAfEQHk3KLcpVdfi6pMMHAlW9EQVQw_aem_coWIzX9RAy-iSO1Uim-Rrw

Oregon Community CALM helps family, friends, and community members have life-saving conversations with individuals who may be thinking of su***de or during times of crisis.

01/09/2025

01/07/2025

Yesterday marked four years since the January 6, 2021 insurrection when Trump supporters, fueled by his misinformation, stormed the US Capitol in a violent attack to overturn his 2020 election loss. Yesterday also marked Congress' certification of Donald Trump's reelection. His win has shielded him from facing the repercussions of his actions that day.

Our newest film, Public Defender, focuses on two of the 1500+ men and women involved in the 2021 insurrection. In telling their stories, PUBLIC DEFENDER humanizes some of the nonviolent offenders who were arrested for their involvement on , but does so in nuanced ways without minimizing the violence or impact of the tragic event. The film follows the work of a criminal-defense lawyer who strives to confront America's divisions with empathy.

As a film all about relationships and actually listening to the story of somebody who you feel judgmental about based on what they’ve done or said, we couldn't be more thrilled to be collaborating with , a trailblazing company dedicated to relational health, meaningful connection, empathy fostering, and the practice of listening.

Kicking off our special screening event this Thursday, their transformative, interactive-workshop experience will be a 60-min guided conversation practice! And spoiler alert, they are teaching people to listen differently to other people. You will walk away with practical tools for building empathy and connection.

Space is limited—Add yourself to the waitlist: https://www.publicdefenderfilm.com/mlk-library-screening

#

01/06/2025

We are saddened to hear about the passing of filmmaker Jeff Baena.

Each time su***de rears its ugly head in the national press, it serves as a reminder of the importance of open dialogue about prevention.

Take the time to check in with your family and friends. Even if someone seems happy on the outside, you never know what internal battles they are facing.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the Su***de and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Writer-director Jeff Baena, who was actor and producer Aubrey Plaza's husband, has died at age 47. According to medical examiner's records, Baena was found dead Friday at a Los Angeles County home.

01/04/2025

You can catch select broadcasts of our newest documentary, Public Defender on WETA (WETA), the DMV’s leading public television station starting today! Check out the schedule below:

TODAY (Saturday, 1/4)
2 PM EST via WETA Metro
9 PM EST via WETA PBS

TOMORROW (Sunday, 1/5)
5 PM EST via WETA PBS

FRIDAY, 1/10
9 PM EST via WETA Metro

WETA Metro is available for local livestreaming on WETA.org, PBS.org, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and LocalNow viewers in the Washington, D.C., metro area. More info about the WETA Metro livestream distribution and its schedule, can be found here: https://weta.org/watch/metro/livestream.

Prefer an in-person screening? Come meet the filmmakers, participants and other special guests for a live screening, and panel discussion this Thursday: https://www.publicdefenderfilm.com/mlk-library-screening

01/03/2025

"A New Year's Choice: Lose our humanity or lean into it."

Read this important piece from Kate Woodsome about veteran mental health and su***de. As Woodsome mentions in the article, there is a tremendous need for focused support and intervention for veterans.

Here's the link:
https://katewoodsome.substack.com/p/a-new-years-choice-lose-our-humanity?r=ywq9&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true

Su***de prevention is an issue that we are passionate about; it's why we produced Scattering CJ and why we continue to organize outreach events to raise awareness. Woodsome's piece does a great job of breaking down the nuances of the issue and showing how public health approaches that focus on education can help.

If you liked this article, consider signing up for Woodsome's Invisible Threads newsletter. You can also hear her speak about radicalization and political polarization at our upcoming Public Defender screening and discussion event on January 9th at 7:00 pm at MLK Library. We were honored to have Woodsome as a Senior Producer on that documentary.

Learn more about that event here: https://www.publicdefenderfilm.com/mlk-library-screening

***deprevention DC Public Library

We have a choice: Lose our humanity or lean into it.

01/02/2025

In honor of our newest film, Public Defender, Spark's 2025 is . Here’s to another year of publicly defending it—in all its complexity and boundless potential. May your 2025 be filled with purpose and connection. 💫

Together, we can keep sparking change and building bridges! ✨ Join us! Visit our website to get your very own PUBLICLY DEFENDING HUMANITY t-shirt and become a part of the movement: https://www.publicdefenderfilm.com/category/all-products

12/31/2024

Don't miss this extraordinary evening with Emmy Award-winning actor Richard Schiff! Head here to grab a seat: https://www.publicdefenderfilm.com/mlk-library-screening

📅 Join us on January 9, 2025, at the MLK Memorial Library in Washington, D.C., for a free screening of PUBLIC DEFENDER.

Executive Producer Richard Schiff, beloved for his roles in The West Wing and The Good Doctor, will be a special guest for the evening. Following the screening, he’ll join a dynamic panel discussion exploring the transformative power of storytelling to foster empathy and bridge divides.

🎬 Directed by award-winning DC-based filmmaker Andrea Kalin (), our powerful and timely documentary offers a compelling look at the justice system through the lens of a public defender representing January 6th defendants. The film is a profound exploration of empathy and the human experience—don’t miss this chance to see it and hear directly from the voices behind it.

The event also features:
Relationship-Building Workshop (5:30 PM) led by
Film Screening (7:00 PM)
Post-Screening Panel (8:00 PM) with Richard Schiff, the filmmakers, and film participants

📚 Plus, support the DC Books to Prisons program by bringing a gently used paperback book for our film-inspired book drive.

This is your opportunity to engage with Richard Schiff and be part of an important conversation about justice, trust, and humanity.

🎟 Register while there are still seats left: https://www.publicdefenderfilm.com/mlk-library-screening! It's FREE.

12/31/2024

As Americans navigate life in a divided nation, PUBLIC DEFENDER offers a thoughtful lens on bridging the gaps between us. Through powerful storytelling, the film challenges us to understand one another and reconnect through our shared humanity.

Watch the award-winning documentary on The New Yorker's Youtube channel! 🔗 below.

12/31/2024

🎟 Register (it's FREE) to hear from Heather Shaner herself, the woman who inspired our film Public Defender, and be a part of this important conversation about justice, trust, and humanity: https://www.publicdefenderfilm.com/mlk-library-screening

We hope you join us next Thursday, January 9 at 7:00 PM for this dynamic night to engage with not only Heather Shaner herself, but also Executive Producer and Emmy Award-winning actor , as well as the filmmakers and film participants. See you there (:

Join us for a sensational evening with renowned criminal-defense lawyer Heather Shaner, who has represented 42 January
6th defendants so far and is celebrated for her work as an advocate for justice! Grab a seat while you still can: https://www.publicdefenderfilm.com/mlk-library-screening

📅 You can hear from the film's "public defender" herself, next Thursday, January 9, at 7:00 PM EST at the MLK Memorial Library in Washington, D.C., at our FREE, PUBLIC DEFENDER screening!

Shaner, who inspired the film, will join us for the evening to share her story. Following the screening, she’ll participate in a compelling panel discussion where she will shed light on her work representing January 6th defendants, including the relationships she forges with them along the way. Heather is passionate about prompting her clients’ curiosity and deepening their understanding of history to open their hearts and minds long after their trials and sentences.

🎬 Directed by award-winning DC-based filmmaker Andrea Kalin (), our powerful and timely documentary follows Shaner's story and in doing so offers a thoughtful lens on how to harness compassion and empathy to bridge the gaps between us.

The event also features:
>Relationship-Building Workshop (5:30 PM) led by
>Film Screening (7:00 PM)
>Post-Screening Panel (8:00 PM) with Heather Shaner, the filmmakers, and film participants

📚 As well as a film-inspired book drive benefiting and honoring Shaner's commitment to "book giving" to her clients! You can donate to the drive by bringing a gently used paperback book with you to the event.

We hope you join us for this dynamic night to engage with not only Heather Shaner, but also Executive Producer and Emmy Award-winning actor , as well as the filmmakers.

🎟 Register and be a part of this important conversation about justice, trust, and humanity: https://www.publicdefenderfilm.com/mlk-library-screening

"

12/25/2024

🎶✨ Merry everything! 🎄❄️ Celebrate the season with joy, love, and a little extra groove! Our film-inspired is packed with uplifting tunes to keep your spirits bright and your days merry. 💃🕺

Take a moment to relax, reflect, and soak in the holiday magic—because you deserve it. ❤️ Turn up the volume and let the music fill your home with warmth and cheer. 🎧✨

👉 Tap the link and enjoy the sounds of the PUBLIC DEFENDER FILM-inspired playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0k7jwNkwNK2dxVflFsftuU?si=TIYQmOypSkeewXL47Mfy-Q&pi=u-o9zS8WQZTbek

Wishing you and yours the happiest holidays! 🎁🎉🎶
Happy 1st night of & a very, merry .

12/20/2024

Public Defender, our most recent film, addresses the impacts of polarization head on! So, we're curious: what do you think about Merriam-Webster Dictionary selecting it as its word of the year? How has polarization impacted you?

po·lar·i·za·tion
DEFINITION: division into two sharply distinct opposites.
especially : a state in which the opinions, beliefs, or interests of a group or society no longer range along a continuum but become concentrated at opposing extremes, i.e. political polarization
-----
It is no surprise that Merriam-Webster Dictionary selected “polarization” as its word of the year for 2024. The impacts of political in the U.S. have been plaguing everyday Americans.

However, as they cheekily said in their announcement of their : "About half of you might take issue with this."

As a film that addresses the impacts of polarization head on, we're curious: what do you think about their selection? How has polarization impacted you?

12/17/2024

🎟Be part of the conversation about trust, humanity, and justice: https://www.publicdefenderfilm.com/mlk-library-screening?utm_campaign=linkinbio&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=later-linkinbio

DC friends--You won’t want to miss this unforgettable evening of connection!
Join us on 📅 January 9, 2025 at the MLK Memorial Library in Washington, D.C., for a free screening of , the latest award-winning documentary by DC-based filmmaker Andrea Kalin (Spark Media). Executive Producer, Emmy Award-winning actor Richard Schiff (The West Wing, The Good Doctor), will join us for a post-screening discussion about the power of storytelling in bridging divides.

Hosted by MLK Library (one of DC Public Library's 26 locations around the city) and the Pulitzer Center, this powerful film follows a public defender’s journey representing January 6th defendants, offering a profound exploration of justice, empathy, and the complexities of human connection.

Featuring a relationship-building workshop led by Peoplehood🤝; a post-screening panel with the filmmakers, film participants, & Richard Schiff🎬; and a film-inspired book drive to benefit DC Books to Prisons (DC Books to Prisons)📚, you won't want to miss this inspiring evening of film, storytelling, and community! Don’t forget to bring a gently used paperback book to the event.

🌟 “Amazing & powerful film.” – Cheryl Strayed✨
🌟 “One of the most TIMELY films.” – Chloe Cook, Sidewalk Film Festival✨

Schedule:
🛠 Relationship Building Workshop: 5:30 PM & facilitated by
🎥 PUBLIC DEFENDER Screening: 7:00 PM
🎤 Panel Discussion: 8:00 PM featuring the filmmakers, film participants, & EP
🎟Be part of the conversation about trust, humanity, and justice. Reserve your spot now: https://www.publicdefenderfilm.com/mlk-library-screening

12/08/2024

Hope has won and history has been forever changed!

Honored to have made the film Red Lines capturing a part of relentless fight for this moment, the humanitarian work he and did on the ground, and the courage and unbreakable spirit of the Syrian people.

To our fearless, talented friend _@ranahmad_ You can finally showcase your brilliance without fear—no longer just “a Syrian artist in exile.” You’ve crafted this stunning poster, graphics, and so much more for films over the years, leaving an indelible mark on each one.

To all who lived—and those who were lost—dreaming of a free Syria, this victory is yours.

.sayed ,