2016

Twenty months after the horrific mass shooting in Newtown, CT that took the lives of twenty elementary school children and six educators on December 14, 2012, the small New England town is a complex psychological web of tragic aftermath in the wake of yet another act of mass killing at the hands of a disturbed young gunman. Kim A. Snyder’s searing Newtown documents a traumatized community fractured by grief and driven toward a sense of purpose.

Two-time Academy Award-Winner® Barbara Kopple follows R&B dynamo Sharon Jones during the most courageous year of her life. Often compared to the legendary James Brown because of her powerful and energetic performances, Sharon Jones is no stranger to challenge. For years her music career struggled, and after decades of working odd jobs, Sharon had a middle-aged breakthrough when she joined forces with The Dap-Kings. In 2013, Sharon was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Miss Sharon Jones! is a triumphant crowd-pleaser that captures an irrepressible human spirit battling back to where she belongs- center stage.

Distinctly referred to as “a redwood tree, with deep roots in American culture,” icon Maya Angelou gave people the freedom to think about their history in a way they never had before. Dr. Angelou’s was a prolific life; as a singer, dancer, activist, poet, and writer she inspired generations with lyrical modern African-American thought that pushed boundaries.

This unprecedented film celebrates Dr. Maya Angelou by weaving her words with rare and intimate archival photographs and videos, which paint hidden moments of her exuberant life during some of America’s most defining moments. From her upbringing in the Depression-era South to her work with Malcolm X in Ghana to her inaugural speech for President Bill Clinton, the film takes us on an incredi- ble journey through the life of a true American icon.

The film also features a remarkable series of interviews with friends and family including President Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Common, Alfre Woodard, Cicely Tyson, Quincy Jones, Secretary Hillary Clinton, John Singleton and Dr. Angelou’s son, Guy Johnson. 

Andy Kwiatowski, 18, is a recent graduate of Rampart High School in Colorado Springs. Andy came to YDA to make a documentary about growing up with an autistic disorder and turned the camera on himself, his parents and sister in telling a deeply personal account. His film LONELY HIGHWAY, is an intimate portrayal of family love and support as they come to terms with the unique challenges of and resilience necessary to being on the autistic spectrum. Prior to joining YDA, Andy took several film and media classes in school and produced a comic strip, stop motion video and several small films.

When a songwriter shares a new song with his girlfriend, things get a little weird.