KARTEMQUIN EDUCATIONAL FILMS
Sparking democracy through documentary since 1966.
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
KTQ Labs
Once a month we gather members of the Kartemquin community together for the critique and discussion of a work-in-progress by an independent filmmaker. These intimate feedback sessions are open for incomplete projects at any stage of production, whether short fundraising demos or feature-length rough/fine cuts. This free program has helped over 150 projects progress towards completion. Films that have participated have gone on to premiere at festivals including Sundance Film Festival, New York Film Festival, SXSW, Hot Docs, Full Frame, DOC NYC, Vienna International Film Festival, and True/False, and to be broadcast on Netflix, PBS (POV, Independent Lens, and America Reframed), OWN, and the Sundance Channel.
Diverse Voices in Docs
Diverse Voices in Docs is a professional development and mentorship program for emerging documentary filmmakers of color, organized by Kartemquin Films and the Community Film Workshop of Chicago. Backed by funding from Joyce Foundation and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the program hones skills and unites filmmakers who share experiences and expertise across six monthly workshops as they develop new projects.
Peng Zhao & Cherry Fund for AAPI Voices
The Peng Zhao and Cherry Chen Fund for AAPI Voices will invest funds and critical support in AAPI-identifying filmmakers making documentary films that center AAPI voices and stories that deepen their audiences’ understanding of the complexity and diversity of the AAPI communities in the US.
Where we work
External reviews

Videos
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
Kartemquin Films is a collaborative center for documentary media makers who seek to foster a more engaged and empowered society. With a noted tradition of nurturing emerging talent and acting as a leading voice for independent media, Kartemquin is building on over 48 years of being Chicago's documentary powerhouse.
Kartemquin's goal is to spark democracy through documentary. Our films, such as The Interrupters, Hoop Dreams, and The New Americans have left a lasting impact on millions of viewers. A revered resource within the film community on issues of fair use, ethics, story 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.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Financials
Unlock nonprofit financial insights that will help you make more informed decisions. Try our monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights?
Learn more
about GuideStar Pro.
Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
KARTEMQUIN EDUCATIONAL FILMS
Board of directorsas of 06/14/2022
Sylvia Ewing
Strategic Communications, Marketing, and Outreach Director; Elevate Energy
Yvonne Afable
Independent financial professional, Afable Consulting LLC
Gordon Quinn
Artistic Director and founding member, Kartemquin Films
Adam Singer
Producer/Camera Associate, Kartemquin Films
Jason Stephens
Lecturer, Columbia College
Caty Borum Chattoo
Director, Center for Media and Social Impact
Lainey Canevaro
Independent marketing professional
Eric Conley
Vice President of Operations, Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Fennell Doremus
Filmmaker
Adrianne Furniss
Philanthropist
Abby Lynn Kang Davis
Founder, character.
Carrie Lozano
Director, Documentary Film Program, Sundance Institute
Patrice Perkins
Attorney, Creative Genius Law
Elspeth Revere
Founder/CEO, Ravenswood Consulting
Neal Robin
Associate, Seyfarth Shaw LLP
Stephen Whisnant
Founder/Managing Director, Stephen Whisnant Strategies LLC
Shirley Yang
Head of Marketing for Deposits at Marcus by Goldman Sachs
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? GuideStar partnered on this section with CHANGE Philanthropy and Equity in the Center.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
Gender identity
Sexual orientation
Disability
We do not display disability information for organizations with fewer than 15 staff.