named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
A Closer Walk
Film about the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, widely used in education and advocacy, reaching hundreds of millions across platforms and demographics.
I’m Still Here
Film exploring the impact of serious mental illness, particularly schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, on families in the United States.
Not My Life
Documentary on global human trafficking, recognized as a key resource on the issue and used by advocacy and educational groups worldwide.
Oh Mercy
Documentary film examining the plight of Central American refugees and asylum seekers under the U.S. "Remain in Mexico" policy, focusing on human dignity and the work of humanitarian figures like Sister Norma Pimentel.
Running To Stand Still
Ongoing film series on global forced migration, of which "Oh Mercy" is a part, aiming to deepen public understanding of displacement and humanitarian crises.
activities · 2 groups
What they do
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Documentary Film Production 2 activities
- Creation of advocacy films for policy and public awarenessProduces short-form and feature-length advocacy films designed to influence public understanding and policy, including a 5-minute film on immigration reform in Western New York and longer documentaries used by NGOs and educators to advance dialogue on U.S. immigration policies and human rights.
- Production of documentary films on social and humanitarian issuesProduces documentary films focused on major social, cultural, and humanitarian subjects including human rights, apartheid, mental illness, HIV/AIDS, immigration, and human trafficking. Films have been viewed by hundreds of millions globally and include Academy Award®-nominated works such as "Cry of Reason" (1989) and earlier recognized productions from 1988.
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Film Distribution and Screening Programs 1 activity
- Distribution of advocacy and educational film packagesDistributes documentaries with public performance rights and supporting toolkits for use in educational, faith-based, NGO, and community settings. Offers specialized packages—including full-length and classroom-edit versions—for films like "Not My Life" and "Oh Mercy" to support screenings, training, and outreach on human trafficking, immigration, and mental health.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$160K
Contributions & grants$154K97%
Program service revenue$5K3%
Investment income——
Other revenue$189
expenses
Total expenses$215K
Program expenses83%
Admin / overhead17%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$81K
Grants paid out—
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$165K
Cash$177K
Investments$0
Liabilities$103K
Net assets$165K
Liquid reserves9.9 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue +66.1%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 2
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEIDI OSTERTAG | SECRETARY | 40 | $50K |
| ROBERT BILHEIMER | PRESIDENT | 20 | $27K |
relationships · 14
Who they work with
- ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project Partner — Collaborates with and receives endorsement from the ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project, as evidenced by a quote from its Deputy Director Lee Gelernt.
- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Government — Recognized with an Academy Award® nomination for documentary work.
- Bono Partner — Featured in interviews for the documentary film A Closer Walk.
- Dali Lama Partner — Featured in interviews for the documentary film A Closer Walk.
- Glenn Close Partner — Narrated the documentary "Not My Life" distributed by Worldwide Documentaries Inc.
- Kofi Annan Partner — Featured in interviews for the documentary film A Closer Walk.
- Not My Life Partner — Film project associated with WORLDWIDE DOCUMENTARIES INC used for educational outreach on human trafficking.
- Robert Bilheimer Partner — Directed the documentary "Not My Life" distributed by Worldwide Documentaries Inc.
- Rochester Area Community Foundation Funder — Provided underwriting to support the distribution of the film at no cost.
- San Quentin Drama Workshop Partner — Collaborated on the staging and production of a film adaptation of Samuel Beckett's work.
- Sisters of St. Joseph Ministry Foundation Funder — Provided underwriting to support the distribution of the film at no cost.
- Smithsonian Partner — Collaborated on the "Beckett Directs Beckett" series to produce a film adaptation of Samuel Beckett's "Endgame."
- Wheeler Communications Group Partner — Co-produced the documentary film "I'm Still Here" with Worldwide Documentaries, Inc.
- notmylife.org Partner — Collaborates with notmylife.org to provide a promotional toolkit for screenings.
strategies · 2
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Collaborative Storytelling for Transformative Educationmethodology: collaborative_film_adaptationBy adapting literary works into film in collaboration with original authors and prison-based drama programs, we create transformative educational content, because co-creative processes deepen engagement and link artistic expression to rehabilitation and social critique.
- Documentary Film as Advocacy Toolmethodology: film-as-advocacy-toolBy producing and distributing documentary films that center personal narratives and human rights issues, we raise public awareness, reduce stigma, and mobilize community action, because storytelling fosters empathy, affirms dignity, and positions film as an educational and training resource for social change.