Needle + Frame

We collaborate with communities to tell stories that inspire social change.

What We Do

Documentary Films

Our participatory approach to collaborative filmmaking centers the voices of community members, advocates, and activists as experts in their stories. We're dedicated to a storytelling process that is just as meaningful as the final product by prioritizing ethics, addressing power dynamics, and maintaining transparency with all story participants.

Storytelling Workshops

We design and deliver customized storytelling workshops to help communities meaningfully incorporate storytelling tools and methods into their daily work.

We explore:

Individual and collective storytelling activities
Building community through stories
Creating social change through stories
Ethical and participatory storytelling principles
Technical tips and advice

Community Events

We coordinate and lead community gatherings that use films to spark conversations and inspire action. Our collaborative and creative mindset often leads us to co-host events in nontraditional spaces, including coffee shops, rural community centers, art galleries, backyards, and living rooms. We tailor each event to its participants by thoughtfully incorporating educational materials, resources, and civic actions into the activities.

OUR STORYTELLING

APPROACH

Stories have the power to educate, shift norms, attitudes and beliefs, and even influence public policy. Everyone should have the artistic tools to share their stories with dignity, impact, and confidence. We build this belief into every aspect of our creative planning processes—from the initial stages of creative development until long after final credits roll.

As we adapt our approach to the unique situation of every project, we ensure that we include aspects of the following: