Meet the Co-Directors

by Video Project

As audiences seek out stories that challenge, inspire, and drive meaningful change, the importance of accessible, socially-driven films that foster empathy and understanding cannot be overstated. Video Project has always been committed to bridging the gap between powerful documentaries and the communities they serve, and our recent transformation into a nonprofit distributor has further strengthened this mission. We’re excited to introduce you to our co-directors, Arlin Golden and Michael Kuehnert, who each bring unique perspectives on the current state of the industry and the impact of our work at Video Project.

State of the Industry

By Arlin Golden


I joined Video Project over 10 years ago as an intern with a passion for documentaries, and a desire to be involved in their flourishing. It was an exciting time for the medium, with streamers hungry to fill their upstart platforms by acquiring the rights to new, creative, and critical non-fiction films at unprecedented rates, while at the same time docs were having consistent success at multiplex box offices. Some even referred to this period as the “golden age” of documentaries.

Flash-forward to the post-covid era, and all of that seems to have changed dramatically. Streamers are now producing their content in-house so that their films can better match what their algorithms say will keep people subscribed, and are seldom picking up independent productions out of the film festival circuit. Meanwhile, large tent-poles continue to take up most of the real estate on movie screens, with little room left for national theatrical distribution for new docs.

But educational distribution and community screenings remain as the principal way that most non-fiction filmmakers both are able to both connect with the audiences who care about the same issues they do, and earn revenue from their films. I feel honored and privileged to facilitate Video Project’s efforts to help foster a more sustainable landscape in which documentaries can exist and affect change in the minds of audiences.

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.

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