Spearheaded by Kennedy’s family, friends, and classmates, the initiative aims to bring film and filmmakers to the University with the goal of shedding light on some of the most urgent, challenging, and complex issues facing society through the prism of documentary. Concurrently, and with the support of the Brown Arts Initiative, the presence of filmmakers on campus will allow Brown students the opportunity to explore the practicalities of filmmaking and to enhance their capacity to make films of their own.
“The John F. Kennedy Jr. Initiative for Documentary Film and Social Progress reflects the values of its namesake, a Brown alumnus who throughout his adult life was committed to the quest for truth and social progress through the creative use of imagery and narrative.”
– Edward Steinfeld, director, Watson Institute
To better understand our complex world, and to promote the kinds of discussions that lead to progress, the Watson Institute harnesses the social sciences and the humanities, scholars and practitioners, and people from all manner of places and cultures. Combining these perspectives enables us to see truth in a new, richer light and to devise positive responses to seemingly intractable problems.
That is why the John F. Kennedy Jr. Initiative for Documentary Film and Social Progress is perfectly at home at the Watson Institute, where film has long been a teaching and learning tool and where students are as creative and socially engaged as ever. The initiative showcases and fosters innovative work in film and journalism that strives to move hearts and inform minds—all in service to mobilizing positive change.
Events
The inaugural event, held in January 2020, featured Coup 53, a film about the 1953 Anglo-American coup d'état that overthrew Iran's government. The screening was followed by a panel discussion with director Taghi Amirani, co-writer and editor Walter Murch, and Watson Institute Senior Fellow Stephen Kinzer, who served as a featured expert in the film.
Additional programming has featured preeminent figures, many of them Brown alumni:
- Rory Kennedy in conversation with Edward Steinfeld on “Trending Globally,” a podcast produced by the Watson Institute
- Student conversation with Award-winning, Oscar-nominated Brazilian director Petra Costa
- Documentary-making master class with Emmy-nominated investigative journalist and filmmaker Emily Kassie ’14
- Virtual screening and conversation with Liz Garbus '92, producer and director of All In: The Fight for Democracy, and Stacey Abrams
In the News
- Stacey Abrams speaks on importance of voting, activism at Watson panel - Brown Daily Herald
- Stacey Abrams, Liz Garbus to speak at Watson documentary screening, panel - Brown Daily Herald
- Documentary ‘Boys State’ exposes ideological failures in the American political system - Brown Daily Herald
- Filmmaker Garrett Bradley Joins Watson Institute for conversation about "Time" - Brown Daily Herald