Special Features | Impact Filmmaking: Documentary, Advocacy & Community

This workshop explores documentary filmmaking as a tool for community advocacy and social impact. Attendees will examine how nonfiction stories can amplify marginalized voices, engage local communities, and move audiences toward awareness and action. Through case studies and practical discussion, the workshop addresses ethical storytelling, relationship-building with participants, and strategies for designing films with impact beyond the screen—equipping emerging filmmakers to tell responsible, community-centered stories that matter.

Our guest, Eric Kleppe-Montenegro is interested in challenging dominant narratives about marginalized communities and highlighting change-makers through storytelling. Growing up as a Colombian-American helped him understand the damage of pervasive stereotypes commonly reproduced in film and television. He also recognizes the true beauty that is left out of narrow perspectives, a beauty which should be celebrated. Eric is passionate about creating impactful art that uplifts and inspires viewers. This passion led him to documenting social justice movements for the last decade, specifically within the immigrant rights movement, and allowed him to collaborate with creatives across lines of difference.