Kartemquin Films

Founded in 1966 to produce documentaries that examine and critique society through the stories of real people, Kartemquin Films serves as a home for independent media makers who seek to create social change through film. This Chicago-based documentary powerhouse has won every major critical and journalistic prize, including an Emmy, a Peabody and an Oscar nomination. 2010 was the most productive year in Kartemquin’s history, with the release of three new features (TYPEFACE, PRISONER OF HER PAST, and NO CROSSOVER: THE TRIAL OF ALLEN IVERSON), and production on five works-in-progress. The organization was also honored with the Altgeld Freedom of Speech Award for “unflinchingly holding up a mirror to American society,” and hailed as “a success story we should all celebrate” by Chicago’s WBEZ radio.
Kartemquin’s community of talent and socially engaged business model has long made it a sought after production and distribution partner. Their films move viewers, unite communities and live for years beyond their initial release.
In 2011, Kartemquin will celebrate their 45th anniversary with a series of special events, screenings and educational workshops across the country to engage audiences in a greater conversation about using film to create change. 2011 will also see the release of two high profile Kartemquin documentaries: THE INTERRUPTERS - by Academy Award-nominee Steve James - and A GOOD MAN, a profile of provocative choreographer Bill T. Jones.
A revered resource within the film community on issues of fair use, ethics, story structure and civic discourse, Kartemquin is internationally recognized for crafting quality documentaries backed by audience and community engagement strategies, and for its innovative media arts community programs. Kartemquin is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.