As artists step into their power to build and shape narratives that affect the lives of those around them, it is important to consider not just what stories are told, but how stories are told. Values-based, ethical storytelling practices center the process as much as the outcome. Progressive cultural work requires that artists employ storytelling practices that are grounded in respect, ethics, nuance, and anti-racism. Led by creative strategist and documentary impact producer Sonya Childress, this workshop will take artists through a framework for values-based storytelling and share examples of how storytellers might put those values into practice. This workshop is taught by and for BIPOC artist disruptors to strengthen their craft, practice and build power.

ASL interpretation and live-captioning are available for this event. Please contact [email protected] to request either or both of these services for free.

Sonya Childress is a cultural strategist and impact producer. She believes in the power of film to support social justice movement-building. Sonya serves as Senior Fellow with the Perspective Fund, a philanthropic resource for documentary film and impact campaigns, where she conducts field-building research, writing and initiatives. Sonya previously served as the Director of Partnerships and Engagement for Firelight Media, where she led impact campaigns for director Stanley Nelson’s films, including Freedom Summer, Freedom Riders, Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities, and The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution, and created a fellowship for impact producers of color. Sonya has worked with Active Voice, California Newsreel, Kartemquin Films, ITVS and Working Films, and has advised countless filmmakers on their impact strategies; including Yance Ford (Strong Island), Peter Bratt (Dolores), Steve James (The Interrupters), Cristina Ibarra & Alex Rivera (The Infiltrators), Byron Hurt (Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes) and Jeff Zimbalist (Favela Rising). She is a trustee of The Whitman Institute, a member of the Brown Girls Doc Mafia, and a facilitator of the Global Impact Producers group. Sonya proudly reps her hometown of LA, her African American and Puerto Rican heritage, and her two children.

Presented in partnership with The Center for Cultural Power, a women of color, artist-led organization igniting change at the intersection of art culture and social justice.