Our Non-Profit Impact
By Michael Kuehnert
At the heart of Video Project’s efforts is the belief that storytelling has the power to transform.
As a documentary filmmaker, I truly appreciate the blood, sweat and tears that goes into producing a film. As an activist I believe strongly in supporting social justice issues, and as a business owner I understand the need to produce results. I’ve been honored to serve as the Director of Acquisitions since 2014, leading the effort to expand the collection from 125 to over 330 titles, with a renewed focus on a filmmaker-first environment and creative distribution solutions. My goal is to support filmmakers and the documentary ecosystem, while educating and inspiring audiences around pressing social issues.
Since its return to nonprofit status in 2019, Video Project has renewed its commitment to leveraging the power of documentary films with a clear mission to foster a more just and sustainable society. Our mission informs our creative and visionary approach to film distribution and impact, ensuring that the stories we tell reach those who need them most.
An example is the Delaware Department of Education’s Film Screening Program, designed as a media impact campaign to affect real change for both underserved and BIPOC students in Delaware. The project is centered on free documentary film community screenings available to anyone in Delaware, of award-winning films specifically curated for this program. Includes in-person and virtual film screenings, filmmaker and film participant panel discussions, end to end support, research and evaluation. The intent is to create and sustain a scalable thematic campaign model that will compensate numerous filmmakers, while empowering underserved communities to select and screen films that speak to them.
With 100 screenings and 70 speaking engagements in 2024, the Delaware campaign is having a profound impact on its audience. Participants have reported that the program provides a unique environment for conversations in communities, by igniting discussions that would not have occurred otherwise, and supporting the development of new alliances and networks. This is a powerful testament to how storytelling can bring people together and spark real change. Our research and evaluation partner See Change Institute will soon release a Year 1 Case Study, providing valuable insights into the program's success and impact. We hope this model will continue to expand and support more communities and filmmakers.