Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Salzman Mondell.
Hi Cynthia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started as a writer in Baltimore, Maryland, and worked my way to write, produce, and direct documentary films.
I am an award-winning filmmaker and playwright who firmly believes that films have the power to create a positive impact on people’s lives. My latest film, IN HER SHOES, which can be found at www.inhershoesfilm.com, aims to effect change in the criminal justice system, and I am working tirelessly with various organizations to achieve this goal.
Throughout most of my film career, I have collaborated with my talented partner and husband, Allen Mondell, and together we established Media Projects Inc. (www.mediaprojects.org), producing over 41 films, including several documentaries that explore significant historical events and important social issues. Some of our notable works include the six films about President John F. Kennedy for the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, Sisters of ’77, which tells the story of how a government-funded women’s political conference set the agenda for the second wave of feminism, and Dreams of Equality for the Women’s National Historical Park. Sisters of ’77 was broadcast on Independent Lens. Our Lone Star Emmy award-winning films, A Reason to Live and A Fair to Remember, raise awareness about depression and suicide among young adults and celebrate the great state fair of Texas, respectively.
I have also created personal documentaries, such as LOUIE, LOUIE: A Portrait in Parkinson’s, which follows my family’s journey in coping with my father’s 30-year battle with Parkinson’s disease, and THE LADIES ROOM, which explores the secret world of women’s restrooms.
Currently, I am working on a film project called SOLE SISTERS, which delves into women’s identities through their relationship with their shoes, paralleling my play SHOE CONFESSIONS. As a result of my work,
I have been recognized with many awards, including two Lone Star Emmys, Women in Film’s Topaz Achievement Award, and the national Women in Film and Television Gracie Award, the Maura Award. Too many to name and lots to dust??? Additionally, I was a founder and past president of Women in Film – Dallas, past president of the steering committee of New Day Films, a nationally known independent film cooperative, and an artist-in-residence at the University of Texas at Dallas. I am also a member of Leadership America, Leadership Texas, the Dallas Summit, and the Dallas Producer’s Association. I am also a member of Temple Emanu-El in Dallas and the Texas Jewish Historical Society.
Since Covid, we are showcasing our films in a hybrid way- in person and online. We have had many multiple screenings online that have had an impact. We have shown with universities like: Columbia, Tufts, Boston, TWU, SMU, UTD, organizations like: Justice for the Arts, Texas, Coalition for Justice and Equity, Empowering Women Out of Prison, Texas Jewish Historical Society.
Personally, I am proud of my politically active daughter, Fonya Naomi Mondell, and my 10-year-old grandson, Juan, who has even marched alongside me in Women’s Marches… And I am always proud of my partner/husband Allen Mondell.
And as we women say-no, woman can have too many shoes- we can’t have too many websites,
To learn more about my work: www.mediaprojects.org and www.inhershoesfilm.com and www.solesistersfilm.com
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Working in my field has been a bumpy road, to say the least. I’ve faced sexual harassment and gender bias throughout my career. In one instance, I sued my boss after he made sexual advances towards me at a conference. When I complained to HR about it, I was fired. Despite having witnesses and going to court for several years, I lost the case. This experience and a few others informed my decision to work for myself so I could choose who to hire on my team.
But even as an award-winning filmmaker and co-director of an organization it was, and is still difficult, for a woman in my field. Even as a member of the Dallas Producers Association, I was laughed at when I complained that the men on the list serve were continually talking about women’s breasts. I faced ridicule when I asked them to stop.
Another challenge I face is raising funds for my films, which I believe can make a difference. It’s tough, and I hear “no” more often than “yes.”. Allen and I founded Media Projects, Inc- a 501 c3 non-profit organization to produce and distribute social issue films. All of our films receive tax-deductible funding from foundations and individuals.
Funding is a big challenge. Funders need to understand that their money is going to film projects that will reach a lot of people and make a difference. Together with Allen, we have made over 41 films that have touched people’s lives. I have been persistent and believe in what I do. It is when we get a response to a film like: “Your film saved my son’s life.” that I know that what we do is worth it.
The COVID pandemic posed a significant challenge, derailing my plans for the premiere of my film, IN HER SHOES, and its subsequent screenings at conferences and festivals. However, I didn’t let the setback defeat me. Instead, I quickly adapted and honed my skills to showcase our films online by taking classes and forging relationships with online platforms. This decision has paid off, as we have successfully expanded our audience and provided more opportunities to showcase our films. To augment the impact of our screenings, I’ve integrated online discussions, partnering with prestigious universities like Columbia, Tufts, Boston, TWU, SMU, UTD, and a host of organizations such as Justice for the Arts, Texas Coalition for Justice and Equity, Empowering Women Out of Prison, Texas Jewish Historical Society, among many others. The COVID pandemic may have slammed a door shut, but I didn’t let it stop us from opening a window of opportunity to broaden our reach, make a bigger impact, and touch more lives with our films.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love filmmaking. I care about people. I am curious about what they do, why they do what they do, and how they feel. I am a visual artists. I picked up a camera when I was 7 years old and loved taking pictures. My father and mother were always taking pictures, so I guess that comes naturally. I learned photography and took courses in college. I am obsessed with capturing moments in time. My specialty is making films that personalize bigger issues. The first film I worked on with Allen was about divorce, and while we used statistics, etc., we found the personal stories that spoke to the viewers, made the legal adversary process understandable. The film brought the stories of women facing the emotional and economic devastation real to not only the general public but to legislators that were passing laws that would affect their lives. The American Bar Association presented us with a Silver Gavel, and laws were changed around the country to help women.
The film I have just completed IN HER SHOES puts a human face on women who are incarcerated. One prison official said, “I have been in this job for over 20 years and never looked at these women as human beings until I saw your film.”
I am proud of all my films. In different circles, I am known for different films. I am proud of the Six Films at the SIXTH FLOOR MUSEUM at Dealey Plaza about the life, death, and legacy of President John Kennedy… Allen and I worked on these films together. It took us 18 months of researching, writing, filming, and editing. It was a time before digital archives and we had to find every piece of footage and audio. The films are very special to both of us. Millions have seen our films. We love that young people go to the Museum and are instilled with Kennedy’s call to action: “Ask Not What Your Country Can Do for You, But What You Can Do For Your Country.”
What more could a filmmaker want than make this world better and inspire others to do the same?
Gratitude: Over the years, we have produced over 40 films. And we could not have done this without the support of the Dallas Fort Worth Film community. From Funders, cinematographers, editors, sound people, art directors, wardrobe people, actors, casting directors, labs, post houses, rental house, film commissions, location people, production assistants, and so much more. We appreciate the collaboration of so many people.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I love to be around my family and friends. I love to see my daughter kiss her son and direct a film. I love see my husband and partner Allen filming. I love to play with my grandson. I love when my son-in-law joins us for a vacation. I love to listen to music, go to a gallery or museum, take a long walk; I love to see a good political candidate win. I love to draw. And I love to show my films to an audience and get feedback.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mediaprojects.org
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/cynthia-salzman-mondell-4b59b18
- Twitter: @mediaprofilm
- Other: www.inhershoesfilm.com
Image Credits
Allen Mondell
Fonya Mondell
