Exploring Social Action Media’s Films and the Continuing Power of Social Justice Filmmaking
In a year where the fight for social justice has reached an inflection point, Abby Ginzberg’s recent induction into the Silver Circle of the EMMY® Awards by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) is a timely reminder of the transformative power of documentary filmmaking. With over three decades of experience, Ginzberg has become a key voice in the world of social justice media, dedicating her career to telling the stories of those who stand up for equality, human rights, and systemic change. Her induction into the Silver Circle—a distinction reserved for those who have made significant contributions to television over a span of 25 years—was both a personal and professional milestone, acknowledging her tireless commitment to amplifying voices that speak truth to power.
A Night of Celebration and Reflection
The induction ceremony, which took place in New York, was a celebration of Ginzberg’s groundbreaking work and the ongoing contributions of three other exceptional women: Raney Aronson-Rath, Ric Esther Bienstock, and Mette Hoffmann-Meyer. As the four women took the stage to accept their Silver Circle medals, the audience—including numerous Emmy-nominated teams—offered a standing ovation in recognition of their remarkable impact on the field.
Truths worth fighting for
Adam Sharp, CEO and President of NATAS, aptly summarized the importance of documentary filmmaking in his remarks, underscoring the crucial role of documentarians who “shine a light on inconvenient truths, give voice to the voiceless, or simply report documented facts,” even in the face of increasing efforts to silence or delegitimize their work. His words served as a powerful reminder of why filmmakers like Ginzberg continue to fight for justice and equity, even when the political and cultural climate threatens to stifle their messages.
A Lifelong Commitment to Social Change
Reflecting on her career, Abby Ginzberg spoke about the collaborators and activists who have inspired her work. Over the years, she has worked alongside some of the most influential figures in the world of advocacy and media—people like George Takei, Jane Fonda, Danny Glover, and Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Through these partnerships, Ginzberg has had the privilege of elevating stories that address issues ranging from racial inequality to the ongoing fight for democracy.
Voices reshaping our future
“For over three decades,” Ginzberg remarked, “I have been creating films that amplify the voices of agents of change and social justice advocates. This induction into the NATAS EMMY® Silver Circle is not just a personal milestone; it is a testament to the power of these films and the transformative impact of the collective partnerships we have built.”
Her work has brought powerful narratives to the forefront, encouraging critical conversations about equality and justice. In the context of the current political climate—marked by growing divisions from the 2024 election—her films serve as an urgent call to action for audiences to reflect on their role in shaping the future.
The Power of Impactful Storytelling
As we conclude a critical election season, Ginzberg’s work continues to be more important now than ever. Her films are not just narratives; they are tools for social change, offering a window into the lives of those fighting for justice in an often-hostile world. Notably, Ginzberg’s recent collaborations have brought renewed attention to some of the most compelling documentaries of the year—films that tackle pressing issues with the kind of insight and depth that can shift public perception and inspire activism.
These films exemplify the power of storytelling to bring attention to marginalized voices and dismantle the systems of oppression that continue to define our world. Whether exposing police misconduct, tracing the cultural history of trailblazing artists, or revisiting the injustices of the past, these films demonstrate Ginzberg’s ongoing commitment to producing work that is both socially relevant and artistically impactful.
Another milestone in Abby Ginzberg’s career was her involvement as consulting producer on the Oscar®-nominated short documentary The Barber of Birmingham. After the untimely death of co-director Gail Dolgin, a close friend and mentor, Abby helped shepherd the film to completion, working closely with director Robin Fryday. The film was honored with a Best Short Documentary nomination in 2012, and the team behind the film journeyed to the Academy Awards red carpet and beyond.
Voices of silent courage
Another among Ginzberg’s most impactful works is Agents of Change (co-directed with Frank Dawson), which chronicles the fight for Black and Ethnic Studies programs at college campuses across the United States. The film focuses on the protests at SF State and Cornell University, showcasing the leaders and activists behind these movements, including actor Danny Glover, who was involved at SF State and has remained an activist for social justice since the late 1960s. Agents of Change has been screened at hundreds of colleges and universities, educating new generations of students about the struggle for ethnic studies and the importance of understanding history in the fight for equality. The film also features renowned scholars like Ibram X. Kendi and Kimberle Crenshaw who have become leading voices in the ongoing battle against racism and fight for racial equality.
Early Documentaries Profile Judicial Heroes on the Bench
In Soul of Justice: Thelton Henderson’s American Journey and Cruz Reynoso: Sowing the Seeds of Justice, Ginzberg profiles two exceptional judges whose lifelong dedication to justice continues to resonate today. Thelton Henderson was the first Black attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, where he fought to enforce voting rights in the South. As a federal judge, he authored numerous landmark decisions, including ordering a complete overhaul of medical care in California state prisons. His story is a powerful reminder of the important role the judiciary plays in upholding democracy and protecting human rights.
Legacies of quiet strength
Similarly, Cruz Reynoso tells the story of the first Latino judge appointed to the California Supreme Court. Despite being recalled in 1986 as part of a right-wing attack on the court, Reynoso continued to inspire future generations of law students and activists. His legacy is a call to action in a time when the judiciary is under siege by forces seeking to dismantle democratic protections.
Soft Vengeance: A Powerful Film on Justice, Activism, and Anti-Apartheid Hero Albie Sachs
Ginzberg’s Soft Vengeance tells the story of Albie Sachs, a former anti-apartheid activist who later became a justice on South Africa’s Constitutional Court. The film won a Peabody Award and multiple audience awards for Best Documentary. It traces Sachs’s remarkable journey from exile to becoming one of the foremost champions of human rights in post-apartheid South Africa.
Legacy of bold vision
The film’s premiere in Cape Town was attended by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who was also featured in the film, along with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Nobel laureate Nadine Gordimer. Sachs’ work in the fight for justice and democracy serves as an inspiration to those continuing the fight against systemic oppression today.
As Ginzberg notes, “It was one of the highlights of my career to create a portrait of one of my heroes.” Sachs’ legacy of courage and resilience, especially in the face of extreme adversity, remains a beacon for all who fight for justice.
And Then They Came For Us: Abby Ginzberg’s Stand Against Xenophobia and Injustice
History speaks volumes silently
With And Then They Came For Us, Abby Ginzberg tackles the enduring threat of xenophobia and historical injustice, drawing a powerful connection between the Trump administration’s Muslim travel ban and the World War II incarceration of Japanese Americans. Eighty-two years ago, Executive Order 9066 paved the way for the forced incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans, marking a profound violation of constitutional rights. Featuring voices like George Takei and many others who were incarcerated, along with newly rediscovered photographs by Dorothea Lange, the film spotlights this tragic chapter in American history while following Japanese American activists as they stand up against the Muslim registry and travel ban.
Abby’s commitment to social justice and civil liberties shines through as she exposes repeated patterns of discrimination and human rights violations, urging viewers to resist these injustices in modern times. Her work amplifies the voices of Japanese American activists, reminding us that understanding our history is crucial to preventing its repetition. And Then They Came For Us serves as a cautionary tale and a source of inspiration, calling for collective action in defense of equality and justice. As George Takei warns, “It was a failure of American democracy, and yet because most Americans are not aware of that dark chapter of American history, it’s about to be repeated.”
Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power – Abby Ginzberg’s Legacy and Vision in 2024
Raising voices for justice
Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power stands as a powerful testament to Abby Ginzberg’s legacy in championing social justice through film. Awarded the 2022 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Documentary, this film not only highlights Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s courageous and unwavering commitment to social justice but also underscores Abby’s dedication to amplifying bold voices that challenge the status quo.
Available on Amazon Prime and Starz, Barbara Lee: Speaking Truth to Power celebrates Lee’s tireless efforts in political reform and her role as a trailblazer in the fight for equity. Abby’s film reflects her vision of using documentary storytelling to bring critical social issues to the forefront and inspire change. The documentary delves into Lee’s remarkable career and her significant contributions to the advancement of social justice.
In an unexpected yet meaningful intersection with Hollywood, the film Shirley, which explores Barbara Lee’s relationship with her mentor, Rep. Shirley Chisholm, illustrates how cinematic storytelling can elevate important narratives. The release of Shirley, directed by John Ridley and featuring Regina King and Christina Jackson, underscores the impact of authentic storytelling in Hollywood. The film’s accurate portrayal of historical events, such as the meeting between Huey Newton and Shirley Chisholm initiated by Barbara Lee, enriches the public’s understanding of these pivotal figures.
Legacy of women’s impact
Although Kamala Harris lost the 2024 election, her candidacy and advocacy reflect the continuing spirit of Barbara Lee’s trailblazing efforts. The connection between Lee’s activism and Harris’s work continues to highlight the importance of women in politics–Barbara Lee stood on Shirley Chisholm’s shoulders as Kamala Harris and others, such as Ayanna Pressley and Lisa Blunt Rochester, have stood on Barbara Lee’s. Ginzberg and Social Action Media are committed to carrying this legacy into 2025 and beyond through films and advocacy, speaking truth to power and inspiring future generations to remain vigilant in the fight for social justice.
Africana Commemoration Film and Panel, Willard Straight Theatre – “Agents of Change”
Continuing the Fight for Justice and Equality
The fight for justice doesn’t end with an election—it carries on through every film, every conversation, and every action we take. As we face the challenges of 2025 and beyond, Abby Ginzberg’s body of work reminds us of the power of storytelling and the role we all play in making the world a more just, inclusive, and equitable place for future generations.
