Wendy Ettinger

Activist, Artist, Brainstormer, Change agent, Concerned citizen, Connector, Consultant, Entrepreneur, Explorer, Filmmaker, Idea generator, Investor, Parent, Philanthropist, Producer, Social entrepreneur, World traveler

I have been producing of documentaries and feature films for over 20 years. In 2005 I Co-Founded Chicken&Egg Pictures with Julie Parker Benello and Judith Helfand in order to fund and mentor women non fiction filmmakers whose artful and innovative story telling could catalyze social change. Since its inception 10 years ago C&E has awarded over 5.4million in grants and creative mentorship to over 260 filmmakers. The filmmakers and films supported by Chicken&Egg Pictures have won major awards, pushed creative and social boundaries, and worked hand in hand with on-the ground movements to effect tangible social change. In 2013, I co- Founded Gamechanger Films. Gamechanger is the first fund to provide equity to narrative feature films directed by women. Since it's inception our films have premiered Sundance,SXSW and Toronto. I began my film career producing the Academy-award nominated documentary, The War Room, As an activist and philanthropist, I believe deeply in the power of change through storytelling in the media, education, and the arts. I serve on the board of The Educational Foundation of America, where our area of focus is on the power of the arts across America as an economic driver and equalizer. Our focus is currently on funding in Appalachia and the South.

The strength of collaboration and partnership. The power of great ideas and the sheer thrill of seeing ideas come to fruition and take hold. I love to discover and connect with people who are filled with passion and dare to think boldly and differently. I am in awe of those who seem apart yet bring us together through their acts and words.

People have always responded to stories in film. Creating a fertile environment for change requires the viewer to have an open mind and heart, ready to listen, to feel and to really see what is possible. And most importantly if the story tells you something is off in the world, something you hadn't noticed before, making sure to take action, join others and being part of the change.

ping pong, staying up very late, absorbing all I can about science.