ABOUT IMPACT FILM FUND
The IMPACT FILM FUND (IFF) is a Washington, DC-based non-profit organization that was created as a platform for documentary and narrative filmmaking to engage with the political and policy arena of our nation’s capital. IFF elevates the themes and topics in these films through screenings, panel discussions, promotional events and the press to educate and enlighten its audiences and create a climate for meaningful social impact.
Created in 2008 by Jody Arlington, Jamie Shor, and Kimball Stroud three women who are veterans in the film and political arena, IFF launched at the Democratic and Republican Conventions with the "The IMPACT FILM FESTIVAL: Where Film Crosses the Aisle". As its mission continues, IFF will continue presenting films representing issues of importance to educate audiences who can make a difference. In early 2009, IFF is launching the "Reel State of the Union” series in Washington DC, and will take this series of film to Los Angeles and New York City. The proceeds from IFF will be used to fund educational film screenings and associated social outreach campaigns.
At this time IFF has begun planning a Presidential Inauguration Event celebrating “Artists Making an Impact”, showing clips of their work, as a benefit fundraiser for IFF and its “Reel State of the Union” Screening Series in the spring. Similar to the convention activities, for the “Reel State of the Union” series, IFF will screen 3-5 films with panel discussions between the filmmakers, activists and policy-makers, in Washington, DC, Los Angeles and New York. There will likely be an “opening night” and “closing night” reception.
Ultimately, IFF will host an annual “Reel State of the Union” series each spring, modeled on the Festival and screening series conducted in 2009. During presidential election years, IFF will again present the Impact Film Festival, modeled on its successful events in 2008.
LEADERSHIP
Festival Director – Jody Arlington, PR Collaborative
Jody Arlington, has developed and executed communications initiatives for clients such as Sundance Institute, SILVERDOCS:AFI/Discovery Documentary Festival and a range of individual film projects and special events. Past client work includes American Film Institute, Kennedy Center Honors, Pen/Faulkner Galas, National Archives Galas. She has also worked on multiple events at both conventions in the past for General Motors. A former VP of Fleishman-Hillard, she cut her PR teeth on the US Treasury global public education campaign introducing the first round of newly designed currency at Burson-Marsteller.
As a consultant to the Sundance Institute, Jody developed and executed PR strategies for the Institute's year-round artistic development projects and spearheaded the Sundance Film Festival's opening day press conference. As a PR Manager for the non-profit SILVERDOCS, Jody developed and executed Festival PR strategy inclusive of outreach for Festival's 100 documentaries, and sits on the programming committee.
PR/Marketing – Jamie Shor, PR Collaborative
Jamie Shor has put a long involvement in public policy and journalism to work as a communications strategist for a variety of non-profit associations, public affairs organizations and corporations. Jamie served as press secretary to U.S. Representative Sam Gejdenson of Connecticut during his historic 21-vote victory in 1994. During her tenure on Capitol Hill, she was charged with promoting an agenda that included campaign finance reform, health care reform and environmental and trade issues.
A former television news writer and producer in Washington, DC, Jamie then spent two years as Communications Director for Handgun Control, Inc. and the Center to Prevent Handgun Violence. There, she was a spokesperson for Jim and Sarah Brady as well as a lead strategist for a series of gun control and education initiatives.
Development – Kimball Stroud, Kimball Stroud and Associates, Inc.
Kimball Stroud has had a career in politics since 1992. KSA, Inc. was established in December 1998. KSA, Inc. is currently focused on high net worth individual and corporate fundraising, non-profit fundraising, and film financing. The firm also focuses on special events and film screenings. A native of Arkansas, Kimball joined the 1992 Inaugural Committee of President Clinton as Special Events Coordinator. She then worked for the DNC as Southern Finance Director from 1993-1994, and as the Director of National Fundraising at the DSCC under the leadership of Senator Bob Kerrey from 1994-1997. After serving as Senator Barbara Boxer’s National Finance Director through the 1998 cycle, she started her own fundraising and events firm. Kimball has worked extensively in the entertainment and arts community. Her clients include The Creative Coalition, Recording Artists Coalition, and the SILVERDOCS Film Festival. Stroud has traveled extensively for her projects and has managed events throughout the country.
ABOUT IMPACT FILM FESTIVAL
The IMPACT FILM FESTIVAL is a four-day event held during the 2008 Democratic and Republican Conventions in Denver and St. Paul, showcasing two to three socially-themed documentary and dramatic films per day and featuring panel discussions with an engaging mix of filmmakers, entertainers, lawmakers and other civic leaders. The IFF slate represents the most powerful, thought provoking, and relevant independent films of the past year, exploring subjects that are foremost on the minds of the activists, delegates, party leaders and candidates.
The Impact Film Festival culminated with a celebratory reception/late-night party honoring the contributions these films have made to our society by educating the public on critical, and sometimes overlooked, issues.
For a complete list of films screened at the 2008 Impact Film Festival, please visit our Festival Archive.
