There’s something quietly powerful about a circle of storytellers gathering with nothing more than passion, questions, and a love for the truth.
That’s exactly what’s happening every third Thursday of the month, when a vibrant group of documentary filmmakers comes together—not in search of perfection, but to connect, collaborate, and be inspired. It’s not flashy. It’s not exclusive. It’s just real people, telling real stories, building something bigger than themselves.
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Meeting #3: Mark Mori & the Battle for Workers’ Rights
In our first gathering, we had the privilege of spotlighting Oscar-nominated and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Mark Mori, a veteran with over 30 years in the documentary world. Mark shared insights from his latest project, The Baristas vs the Billionaires, a gripping and timely film that captures the rise of Starbucks Workers United (SWU) and their David-and-Goliath battle against billionaire CEO Howard Schultz’s aggressive anti-union campaign.
With raw footage, powerful interviews, and an unwavering lens on truth, the film dives deep into the lives of young baristas fighting for more than wages—they’re fighting for dignity. Mark didn’t just screen clips—he pulled back the curtain on how this story came together: the research, the hurdles, the archival footage, and the emotional toll. He reminded us that behind every polished frame is a mountain of persistence.
Meeting #4: Daresha Kyi & the Heart of Advocacy
The following month, the energy shifted beautifully as we welcomed the warm and fearless voice of Daresha Kyi, Emmy-winning director, writer, and producer who moves effortlessly between English and Spanish-language projects. Her film Mama Bears—a powerful testament to the unconditional love and transformation of Christian mothers who fully embrace their LGBTQ+ children—sparked deep conversation among us. With Mama Bears set to premiere on PBS' Independent Lens, Daresha’s approach to filmmaking struck a chord: bold, intimate, and steeped in humanity.
Her journey, which also includes co-directing Chavela, a vibrant portrait of Mexican singer Chavela Vargas, and creating a viral ACLU short on transgender rights, showed us how one voice, grounded in authenticity, can ripple out to millions. She offered invaluable wisdom on everything from distribution to navigating identity, all with grace and grit.
More Than Meetings
These gatherings aren’t just about watching great films or hearing success stories—they’re about rolling up our sleeves together. Mark and Daresha both generously shared practical know-how: navigating fair use, sourcing archival footage, accessing deeply personal stories, and marketing to the right audience without selling out your soul.
We laughed, we asked hard questions, and we left with notes full of ideas—and hearts just a little fuller.
In a world full of noise, these Third Thursdays feel like a breath of fresh air. They remind us why we do this work. Why we keep showing up with cameras and questions. Why stories still matter.
Whether you’re a seasoned director or just starting to piece together your first doc, this group welcomes you. With open minds and open hearts.
See you next month, filmmakers. Keep telling the stories that need to be told!
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