There is an old proverb that states, “It takes a village to raise a child,” meaning that there is an entire community of people who aid in the development of a child’s growth.
This is a commitment that Reel Works knows all too well. Standing as a non-profit organization for over twenty years, Reel Works’ origins began in 2001, by producers John Williams and Stephanie Walter, who were initially hired to teach teens how to create documentary films.
Now in its twenty-third year, Reel Works has grown to assist over one thousand and six hundred adolescent students throughout their schooling to help establish their careers in media. Reel Works exists as the only filmmaking program that matches teens with their own professional, filmmaker-mentors.
Through the organization’s MediaMKRS workforce development program, Reel Works partners with industry leaders, government agencies, and educators, to create a blueprint for talented, rising stars, to build a more inclusive media workforce beginning in the classroom and onto their careers.
The Knockturnal was invited by the non-profit organization to attend their twenty-third annual Changemakers Gala last week at The Ziegfeld Ballroom, in Manhattan, New York. The gala was created to celebrate and honor changemakers in the industry as well as the creative, rising filmmakers who are currently transforming the face of media today.
All attendees were dressed in their best cocktail attire, as some lingered around the bar awaiting their drinks, while others surrounded their cocktail tables mingling amongst each other. Media outlets who were stationed in front of the red carpet, waited patiently for the honorees, staff members, and other notable guests to appear. Co-founder and executive producer, John Williams, was the first to step on the carpet with a beaming smile.
John Williams and Stephanie Walter / Katherine and Mariel Tyler/Reel Works
When questioned about the idea of mentorship, William states, “In some ways, we make the organizations we wished we had and that’s why I created Reel Works.” Williams expresses how he took part in classes that taught him the necessary skills to become a successful filmmaker yet didn’t have teachers who aided in his personal growth. Now, Williams is proud to have enlisted mentors who are more attentive to their students, asking questions such as, “If you could tell the world anything, what would you say? What matters to you?” Williams asks as an example. He further explains how every student is unique and talented in their own way, even if they may not show it in certain school subjects. “One of our very first students was a kid who would make claymation animations, but his teacher didn’t think he had any future in school. He had this little talent that made him become one of the best filmmakers we ever met. His movie got broadcast on HBO and today he is making animations for The Colbert Show, Comedy Central, and Cartoon Network.” Other noteworthy guests such as Roman Zaragoza, Lisa Cortez, Carmen Rita Wong, and more, took to the carpet as well before the gala’s commencement.
Attendees soon took to their seats at the beautifully decorated round tables topped with fresh appetizers waiting to be eaten. Servers weaved through the 40 planted tables, ready to pour either red or white wine options at a guest’s request. Chatter soon filled the ballroom as guests introduced themselves at their given table. The host of the evening was a woman who has done a multitude of work within the entertainment industry. Comedian, best-selling author, publisher, and star of Two Dope Queens, Phoebe Robinson, took to the stage to welcome everyone to that night’s meaningful event. She used her comedic flair to keep the audience engaged, as she talked about the history of the entertainment industry and the influential figures doing groundbreaking work within their line of work.
Phoebe Robinson / Credit: Katherine and Mariel Tyler/Reel Works
Sanaa Lathan and Chris Pointdexter were the two figures mentioned, as they were present to accept their awards later on in the night as this year’s chosen changemakers. Robinson then celebrated the amazing work Reel Works continues to do for the youth all around. She highlighted the organization’s students for their ability to pursue their desires in the film industry and share their voices with the world. The 2024 Reel Works ChangeMaker film student award nominees were announced shortly after, projecting the students’ film submissions as the crowd excitedly anticipated the student who would soon be deemed the winner.
An intermission came upon the evening as the event turned into an auction where all guests were encouraged to donate funds. The auctioneer danced around the tables to impress those seated as she passionately described the glorious trips and prizes one would win if they bid the highest. Impressed by her excitement and wanting to support a great cause, attendees teamed together to donate thousands of dollars to aid in the increase of resources needed to help expand the organization.
Chris Pointdexter / Credit: Katherine and Mariel Tyler/Reel Works
Their donations not only help Reel Works’ students but also give all of New York City’s youth a chance to be creative as well. As the event transitioned back to its ceremony, it was time to celebrate the honorees, as Chris Pointdexer took the stage while the crowd cheered during their standing ovation. As the General Counsel of Cadent and Treasurer on the Reel Works Board, Poindexter first exclaims with a humble heart, how excited he is to be before the crowd, and how much of a big deal it is to be honored alongside Sanaa Lathan. As an incredible writer, he urges the young filmmakers in the room to always be a vessel in whatever environment they may find themselves in. Throughout his upbringing, Pointdexter stated, “Storytelling is the oldest art form. I was inspired by my older family members and how they told stories.” While he may have not had any personal mentors of his own, Pointdexter allowed his surroundings to be his teachers. “I support Reel Works because it is an organization that I wanted when I was young. I love watching the students discover their love for storytelling and filmmaking. It is a special fulfillment witnessing these students start at an early age.” Pointdexer then asked the organization’s staff and young filmmakers to stand to receive their own recognition. With shy smiles and waves from those standing came another round of applause from the audience.
Before Sanaa Lathan took the stage, a video compilation of all her best work was projected onto the screen. There were moments of quick cheers when an attendee’s favorite Lathan movie appeared and laughs from others when each clip showed an iconic, humorous line. In the acceptance of her award and during her sit-down interview with Robinson on stage, Lathan talked about the early stages of her career and how obsessed she was with theater as a child. “I want to do roles that make me step outside of who I am because it’s fun!” Not only did her early days on the stage help her realize her purpose, but it also led her to more opportunities outside of acting.
Sanaa Lathan / Credit: Katherine and Mariel Tyler/Reel Works
As an award-winning actress, director, producer, and activist, Lathan has truly done it all. “In earlier times, you had to choose one thing but the world has changed so much. It’s cool to be in front and behind the camera.” Lathan adds to Pointdexter’s stance on being a vessel as she explains how she got to be in her own film school just by being on set. After developing the essential skills needed to be a powerful actress, she wanted to learn other skills behind the camera to give her a different perspective. In the end, they all relate to each other.
Pointdexter and Sanaa were the perfect individuals to be given this year’s Changemakers Award. Their passion for their work and their dedication to do more and be more within the entertainment and media industry make them outstanding role models for young creatives today. They both show how limitations cease to exist when you know who you are and where you come from. The beginning is where one discovers their voice and the journey allows for that voice to be strengthened. To learn more about the Reel Works organization and how to donate and support, visit https://www.reelworks.org/.
