American Documentary

Overview

Brooklyn, N.Y. — September 30, 2024 — American Documentary (AmDoc) announced today that Chris Hastings, a widely recognized leader in public media and within the independent filmmaking community, will be presented with the second annual Industry Trailblazer Award at the AmDoc GalaFest 2024 taking place Thursday, November 14, 2024. The honoree was selected by a committee of board members and staff for his exceptional commitment to elevating diverse voices and engaging audiences with powerful storytelling as well as his ability to forge strong partnerships, foster creative collaboration, and as a mentor working with the next generation of filmmakers.

Award-winning public media executive Chris Hastings is the incoming President and CEO of WXXI in Rochester, New York. With over two decades of experience creating impactful and inclusive content Hastings will expand upon his roots in journalism to leverage WXXI’s acclaimed news team to elevate their impactful reporting for the Rochester community. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for WORLD, based at GBH in Boston, where he co-curates DOC World, Local, USA andAmerica ReFramed which he co-created with American Documentary in 2011, providing the series with critical curatorial and editorial oversight while helping to advance the work of a growing roster of filmmakers.

A Philadelphia area native, Hasting’s passion for television began as a child when he helped to produce a daily school news program, during his elementary school years. He cultivated this interest throughout college, eventually becoming a founding team member in the development and production of Black Entertainment Television’s award-winning BET Tonight. Later he joined WGBH, and worked with childrens’ television program ZOOM, and the WGBH Lab, an innovative incubator for up-and-coming filmmakers. Across his career, his widely respected work has earned numerous awards including the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award forClass of ‘27, the International Documentary Association Award for Fannie Lou Hamer’s America, Peabody Awards for Fannie Lou Hamer’s America: An America ReFramed Special,Deej, and Can You Bring It: Bill T. Jones and D-Man in the Waters, a News & Documentary Emmy® Award nominations for Personal Statement and Entangledand award forArmed With Faith, and Telly Awards for Jack and Yaya,Five Years North,Blood Memory,and Where The Pavement Ends,among others. In 2016, Chris became a Rockwood JustFilms Fellow and was awarded WGBH’s Margaret and Hans Rey Curious George in-house producer fellowship.

Beyond his professional achievements and industry accolades, Hastings is known as a fierce champion of independent film distribution through the public media system. Recognizing the power inherent in partnerships and community, he frequently collaborates with American Documentary, media incubators, independent filmmakers and public media stations across the country to ensure diverse stories reach broad audiences and amplify perspectives traditionally marginalized from mainstream media. As a mentor Hastings has long nurtured new talent and regularly works closely with organizations such as the National Multicultural Alliance and Firelight Media to support emerging voices in the industry.

“Chris Hastings is more than just an industry veteran – he is a champion of independent film and filmmakers; he is a compassionate steward of documentary film and an opener of doors for many new voices with incredible stories to tell. He’s an outspoken advocate for public media, a dynamic collaborator and a model for what is possible in this industry,” said Erika Dilday, executive director of American Documentary and executive producer of POV and America ReFramed. “Chris has demonstrated a profound and enduring commitment to advancing the values and mission of PBS and, as he transitions to his new leadership role at WXXI, all of us at American Documentary want to congratulate him as we proudly recognize his work with this year’s Industry Trailblazer Award."

“I am deeply honored to be selected for the Industry Trailblazer Award at POV American Documentary’s GalaFest 2024. Throughout my career, I have been committed to amplifying diverse perspectives and sharing stories that reflect the richness of human experiences, and it is humbling to be recognized by an organization that has been at the forefront of independent documentary filmmaking for so many years,” stated Chris Hastings, the incoming President and CEO of WXXI in Rochester, New York. “American Documentary's dedication to supporting authentic storytelling and protecting the future of independent film is more vital than ever, and I am grateful to have been a part of this journey as a long-term partner. I look forward to joining the celebration in November and continuing to collaborate in preserving and uplifting independent voices in our industry."

AmDoc’s GalaFest 2024 will be a joyous gathering of people who value storytelling by diverse filmmakers and the great potential it holds for expanding knowledge, understanding, and empathy. The event happens during an exciting season marked by industry acclaim but also in the face of ongoing challenges within the media landscape. This is not only an occasion to honor awardees, GalaFest will also be a celebratory reunion of its community of public media supporters, filmmakers, industry peers, organizations, and audiences while cultivating and welcoming a newer generation into the fold. Hosted by a guest MC who will lead attendees through an evening program that includes a VIP cocktail reception, awards presentation, and festive activities to experience with the vibrant AmDoc community.

Event and Tickets Information:

Date: Thursday November 14, 2024

Time: 6:00 - 10:00 pm

Venue: 26 Bridge Street, Brooklyn, NY

Purchase Tickets & see Event details here

For more event information, or if you’d like to become a sponsor or hear about advertising opportunities at our GalaFest please contact: development@pov.org

About

About American Documentary, Inc.

American Documentary, Inc. (AmDoc) is a multimedia organization dedicated to creating, identifying and presenting contemporary stories that express opinions and perspectives rarely featured in mainstream media outlets. AmDoc is a catalyst for public culture, developing collaborative strategic engagement activities around socially relevant content on television, online and in community settings. These activities are designed to trigger action, from dialogue and feedback to educational opportunities and community participation.

Major funding for POV is provided by PBS, the Open Society Foundations, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Wyncote Foundation, Reva & David Logan Foundation, Park Foundation, and Perspective Fund. Additional funding comes from the National Endowment for the Arts, New York State Council on the Arts, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, the Chasing the Dream and Peril and Promise public media initiatives of The WNET Group, Chris and Nancy Plaut, Ann Tenenbaum and Thomas H. Lee and public television viewers. POV is presented by a consortium of public television stations, including KQED San Francisco, WGBH Boston and THIRTEEN in association with WNET.ORG.