Justine Nagan, Executive Director, Kartemquin Films

Justine is Kartemquin Films’ Executive Director. With Kartemquin, she recently directed Typeface, and was Associate Producer on the Peabody award-winning Terra Incognita. Prior, she helped Kartemquin develop an education series while earning her Humanities Master's Degree from the University of Chicago. Other experience includes teaching at the Hyde Park Art Center, and working as a Theatre Manager for the Chicago International Film Festival and as a Fellow for The HistoryMakers. Before moving to Chicago, she produced promotional spots for Public Television and worked for various companies ranging from M&C Saatchi, Australia to Michael Feldman’s Whad’Ya Know? on National Public Radio.

What drew you to this work?
I wanted to work in media that "made a difference." I was incredibly moved by the films that Kartemquin did and believed in the power of documentary to make social change.

What keeps you engaged with this work?
Watching our films engage viewers is immensely rewarding--I know that the work we do enables dialogue around the critical issues of our day.

Additionally, I am surrounded by talented and dedicated people who inspire hard work and confidence. One of the central parts of my job now is helping others make their projects come to fruition- it's very satisfying to watch a filmmaker you care about make progress on a film that you know there are audiences waiting for.

Also, a good cup of coffee does wonders to keep one engaged.

What was the most pivotal moment of your leadership journey?
I think the most pivotal moment of my leadership journey so far was being hired to be the Executive Director of Kartemquin Films a little over a year ago. We were in a situation that a lot of non-profits are currently facing- we had a dynamic founder who was interested in transitioning into a different role with the company and the Board and staff were charged with creating a leadership succession plan to enable the organization to continue for another 44+ years. I am thrilled to be a part of it.

I am passionate about this organization and am committed to making it sustainable, while maintaining the quality and culture that we're known for.

What are your strengths as a leader? 
I strive to be a creative and thoughtful leader. I appreciate people.

How do you stay on top of your game?
I'm trying to balance work and the rest of my life as best I can. Also, finding mentorship is so important. I'm continually seeking the advice of those who have been there and done that before so I can learn from their experiences.

What are you working on that gets you excited and inspired? 
We have several films in the works that I'm very excited about, including a documentary from Kartemquin's first ever Diversity fellow. (read more at Kartemquin Films) Additionally, we are experimenting in distribution and marketing, which is getting the word out about Kartemquin and its work in entirely new ways. Learning and experimenting in our field keeps me inspired.

I'm also trying to plan the Chicago roll-out of my film, Typeface, so that my home-town crowd can (finally) see what I was toiling on for so long. It's screened everywhere else but here- so that's exciting.

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