Marcia Smith, President & Co-Founder, Firelight Media

About This Project

Summary

For more than two decades, Marcia Smith has served as Co-Founder and President of Firelight Media, the premier nonprofit organization supporting documentary filmmakers of color. Under her leadership, Firelight's programs have supported more than 250 emerging filmmakers, several of whom have become industry leaders. Smith's vision for increasing the diversity of perspectives in documentary media and her advocacy on behalf of filmmakers of color has truly transformed the nonfiction film industry.

Goals & Objectives

Marcia Smith and her partner Stanley Nelson created Firelight Media to support emerging filmmakers of color. Their original flagship Documentary Lab supports filmmakers of color making their first or second documentary feature film, especially films that represent underrepresented people and topics.

Results & Impact

Due to the success of the Documentary Lab, Smith has enabled Firelight to grow into a robust suite of artist programs supporting filmmakers at all stages of their careers. Firelight now produces documentary films, funds impact and engagement campaigns, and advocates on behalf of filmmakers of color.