Cindy L. Burstein

Cindy is a documentary filmmaker who uses her work to incite dialogue, organize communities, and inspire political action. Her work as a community organizer in Kensington formed the basis for her artistic practice, combining filmmaking with public participation opportunities as a tool for civic engagement. She is particularly interested in documenting how relationship building can heal social fractures and overcome divides. Cindy’s latest project Concrete, Steel, & Paint (2009) chronicles the process of a group of incarcerated men collaborating with victims of crime to create a mural about healing. Other films include Passionate Voices (2004), a documentary and dialogue project exploring the American Jewish perspective of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Paths to Peace (2002), featuring Arab and Jewish youth leaders addressing civil rights in Israel to foster cross-cultural relations. Beyond the content of her films, Cindy sees the possibilities for social change in their exhibition and distribution. She seeks out public group screenings to create a sense of community and shared responsibility, to encourage individuals to consider their role in affecting change, and to foster a constructive dialogue process, engaging the audience in active reflection. Cindy is passionate about using film to galvanize and engage audiences, and in the process remind people that we are members of a common community and that the task of change is up to all of us.