Debra Chasnoff is a renowned documentary filmmaker and social justice advocate, celebrated for her innovative use of film as a powerful tool for organizing and inspiring positive change. As a pioneering leader in the international movement to create safe and welcoming schools and communities, Debra's work has been widely recognized and respected.
Throughout her illustrious career, Debra has produced a diverse range of award-winning documentaries that address critical issues affecting young people's lives and school environments. Her films, including Straightlaced, It's Elementary, Let's Get Real, That's a Family!, and Deadly Deception, have been hailed as among the most effective tools available today for opening up dialogue and sparking activism around pressing social issues.
Debra's filmography is marked by a commitment to exploring complex and often overlooked topics, including gender and sexuality pressures, bias and bullying, and the experiences of youth growing up in diverse family structures. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including the Academy Award, the Wallace A. Gerbode Foundation Fellowship, the Pathfinder Award, and the alumnae achievement award in documentary filmmaking from Wellesley College.
As the founder of GroundSpark and co-creator of the renowned Respect For All Project, Debra has dedicated her career to creating a more just and equitable society. Her tireless advocacy and commitment to social justice have made her a respected and sought-after speaker at colleges and conferences around the world.
