Filmmaking for Change: Documentaries That Matter

Rick Smolan is a renowned New York Times bestselling author and photojournalist, celebrated for his iconic "Day in the Life" books. A pioneer in interactive publishing, Smolan's projects, including "From Alice to Ocean" and "Passage to Vietnam," have reshaped the industry. His latest book, "THE GOOD FIGHT," has won multiple awards and recognition. An influential speaker, Smolan has addressed global events like TED and Davos. His company, Against All Odds Productions, is praised as one of America's coolest companies.

Dennis Schmelz, 35, is an accomplished photographer and filmmaker known for his breathtaking images and compelling storytelling. Passionate about nature and wildlife, he explores remote locations, capturing powerful moments that highlight the beauty and fragility of our planet. His work has been showcased globally, including his NFTs in Times Square and his award-winning short films at international festivals like Cannes. With sold-out photo calendars and an upcoming photo book, Dennis continues to inspire audiences, using his art to foster awareness and appreciation for conservation and the world’s hidden

I'm a French video reporter and documentary film-maker. I started my career in France in 1997, working as a freelancer for French television channels. For more than 15 years, I travelled the world making reports and documentaries, particularly in Africa and Latin America. I began my career reporting on social and investigative issues, and in war zones. Today, I'm more focused on news as AFP-TV's (Agence France Presse) correspondent in Portugal, and my long-form documentaries focus on subjects that interest and concern me, such as environmental destruction and ocean preservation.

Born in 1980 in Germany, Bjoern Lauen has woven creativity and imagery into the fabric of his life for over three decades. His journey began when he first picked up a camera, igniting a passion that has since defined his career. Blending his corporate experience with his creative passion, Bjoern embarked on a new chapter. As Managing Director and Executive Producer of a boutique creative agency and publishing and production house, he conceptualized, created and produced various formats with and for regional and international brands as well as non-government and government organizations. Since 2021 he is the founder and executive producer of Glaswerk, a UAE-based Production House and Media Lab. Bjoern produces TVCs, series, documentaries, digital content, media installations and brand films across the Middle East and abroad. Fascinated by innovation, he advocates the use of cutting-edge technologies like XR and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in projects, pushing the boundaries of traditional media. Bjoern's passion for photography and visual storytelling remains unchanged. His photographs have been published in national and international media outlets including National Geographic Kids, The Guardian, Time Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal. His insightful exploration of the tribes of the Omo Valley in Ethiopia has been showcased at Annenberg Space for Photography in Los Angeles.