PHILLY D.A.
8-part documentary series by PBS (2021); directed by Ted Passon, Yoni, Brook, and Nicole SalazarLead editor from inception to deliverables
Larry Krasner spent 30 years fighting Philadelphia's District Attorney’s Office as a civil rights attorney. He sued the police over 75 times. After an election he was never supposed to win, he now is the D.A. Can he and his team change the system from the inside?The series premiered at Sundance and Berlin International Film Festival, won the Peabody, Gotham, and Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards, and was nominated for the IDA Documentary Award, Independent Spirit Award, and Cinema Eye Honors.
PRESERVING DEMOCRACY: PURSUING A MORE PERFECT UNION
115 min documentary film by PBS (2022)Segment editor: Barack Obama
Reviewing the pursuit of democracy within the U.S. on the anniversary of the 2021 Capitol riot, this documentary chronicles the history of the United States democratic system from its origins to the present: through the Revolutionary War, recurring cycles of civil rights progress and backlash, the 2021 Capitol riot and beyond. The production is the first under The WNET Group's upcoming new reporting initiative, Preserving Democracy.LIFT THE MASK
69 min documentary film by Quell Foundation and MOD (2019); directed by Marc D'AgostinoLead editor
"Lift the Mask" tells the stories of six individuals living with behavioral and mental health diagnoses. From the onset of symptoms and the quest for a diagnosis, to managing the subsequent treatments and medications, the film’s subjects frankly discuss the most difficult and traumatic moments of their journeys. The film finds both devastation and hope as these characters struggle with some of the most debilitating and misunderstood of illnesses.The film has been screened at colleges, universities, hospitals, and government agencies around the United States.
A TO B ROLLERSKI
98 min documentary film by Moodwork (Latvia, 2017); directed by Arnis AspersLead editor
Raimonds is a Soviet Latvia born US Olympic biathlete whose sudden illness forces him out of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. Instead of giving up, he recovers and embarks on a 90-day roller-ski trip from Inuvik, Canada, to Baja, Mexico. He uses his trip as a way to protest against the USSR. In NW Territories, Raimonds meets Gwich'in families whose language has been lost to school integration policies, and he finds striking similarities between their struggles to retain their ethnic identities. On the way, Raimonds meets people who on an unconscious level help shape his future.
“A to B Rollerski” is the first Latvian film ever to be included in the prestigious European Outdoor Film Tour, during which it screened over 400 times across 15 countries.
16 FOR ‘16: THE CONTENDERS
16-part documentary series by PBS (2016); directed by Jamila Paksima Lead editor on 6 episodes
Every four years, an assortment of bold men and women declare themselves the uniquely deserving of America's highest office, and the power that comes with it. Yet, among the many contenders, there can only be one winner. From Shirley Chisholm's landmark 1972 presidential candidacy to Barry Goldwater's 1964 campaign which launched a brand of conservativism that would prove influential for decades to come, from Howard Dean's denouncement of the 2003 invasion of Iraq to Sarah Palin's surprising appearance on a Republican presidential ticket, this eight-hour documentary series examines 16 of the most compelling stories behind unforgettable candidates from the past 50 years of election history.UNTIL 20
84 min documentary film by Paksima Productions (2015); directed by Jamila Paksima and Geraldine MoribaCo-edited with Steve Buckwalter"Until 20" chronicles the final year in the life of James Ragan, a young promising athlete who turns devastating odds into a personal mission to live a good life and help raise awareness of pediatric cancer. Along the way he falls in love and learns about the power of family.
The film won audience awards at Austin Film Festival, Virginia Film Festival, Cinequest San Jose Film Festival, jury prizes for the best doc at San Antonio Film Festival, Long Island Int'l Film Expo, and Atlanta DocuFest, the Silver Remi Award at WorldFest Houston, and the Excellence in Women’s Filmmaking award at the ECU European Independent Film Festival.VALIANT! A CAR, A CAUSE, AND THE COLD WAR
86 min documentary film by The Latvians Abroad Museum (Latvia, 2021); directed by Mara PelecisLead editor
When Juris, a New Jersey native born to Latvian refugees, lifts the tarp from his old car, he finds his '71 Valiant "Slant Six" invaded by stray cats. Still decorated with anti-Soviet slogans, the Valiant drove Latvian-American freedom activists to Soviet embassies during the Cold War, generating headlines when few could even find Latvia on a map. Meeting the organizers today, Valiant! reveals unorthodox strategies behind their newsworthy protests. Now, at a time when Russia has invaded Ukraine, it begs the question whether Latvian freedom efforts against Russian aggression are in fact “just history”?The film won the 2nd Audience Award and Best of Fest at the 43rd Minneapolis St. Paul Int’l Film Festival.
THE BODY POLITIC
82 min documentary film by The RowHouse Collective and PBS (2024); directed by Gabriel Francis Paz GoodenoughAssociate editor
The Body Politic is a harbinger of hope in a country plagued by gun violence. In Baltimore, Brandon Scott, an idealistic young leader with an ambitious plan to stop chronic violence in the city, is elected mayor. With unfettered access, the film follows him as he puts his personal and political future on the line and fights powerful political forces to save lives in his beloved Baltimore.
The film premiered at the Sheffield DocFest and screened at the White House in 2024.
PHENOMS
Documentary series by Fox Sports (2018)Russian dialogue editor
“Phenoms” chronicles the journey of the next great soccer players on their quests to play at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. It includes participation from over 60 players, shot in 20 countries by 12 different directors and is narrated by Gordon Ramsey.
WISDOM GONE WILD
84 min documentary film by Ghost Pictures Productions and PBS (2022); directed by Rea Tajiri
Additional editor
A vibrant tender cine-poem; a filmmaker collaborates with her Nisei mother as they confront the painful curious reality of wisdom 'gone wild' in the shadows of dementia.
The film premiered at the BlackStar Film Festival and IDFA, and screened at Slamdance and Doc NYC among many other festivals.