Empty Desks
Intimate portraits revealing the dreams of a generation who longed to inspire young minds, only to confront the unimaginable reality of teaching today.
This observational docuseries takes you on an emotional journey alongside Carlos, a first-generation college student, determined to become a social sciences teacher, and Julia, a passionate teacher who, halfway through her third year, made the heart-wrenching decision to quit. Witness their triumphs, struggles, and sacrifices as they confront the realities of the education system, uncovering the inner strength that fuels their resolve to make a difference. Through unfiltered, intimate moments, this series unveils the untold stories of educators, igniting a powerful dialogue about the state of teaching in America and revealing the true essence of resilience and the profound rewards that come with shaping young minds. Get ready for an eye-opening and heartwarming experience that will leave you inspired to rethink the role of teachers in our society and the vital impact they have on the future of our nation.
TRAILER
TRAILER
TEASER
WHY YOU SHOULD CARE
THE SUBJECTS
JULIA BARRETT
FORMER EDUCATOR
she/her/they
In December of 2022, I resigned my position as a K-8 health teacher in Philadelphia. Having just left a budding career teaching in private and public schools, coaching, and tutoring, I decided to take time away to figure out what my future in education will look like. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to bring my passion for working with young people and advocating for educators and students towards exploring the realities of the education profession today.
CARLOS ORTEGA
ASPIRING EDUCATOR
he/him/his
I'm a Junior Secondary Education Social Science Major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I am also part of the Teacher Scholars Academy, a scholarship that focuses on preparing the next generation of impactful educators. I've always known that teaching is my calling, but in the society that we are moving into, I've has become unsure. Becoming a cast member in this film series is helping me to explore my options and to see where I fit into the education system.
THE IMPACT AND PARTNERSHIPS TEAM
JON FITZGERALD
Jon has twenty-five years of experience in independent films and film festivals. He has produced award-winning documentaries and has led many independent film projects through the maze of festivals and hybrid distribution models. As a Festival Director he has run several top tier festivals and has consulted on dozens more. Jon has also led acquisitions for several streaming platforms, and now curates movies and series for Cause Cinema. He authored the leading social impact filmmaking book, Filmmaking for Change: How to Make Movies that Transform the World, and also teaches two popular web based courses: Film Festival Mastery and Film Distribution Mastery.
Producer | Strategist
CINDY FITZGERALD
Cindy has extensive experience developing partnerships for a large variety of organizations and is deeply committed to the arts, social impact and profit with purpose. Through her work with clients including AFI and Santa Barbara Film Festivals, Variety Magazine, Creative Visions Foundation, and Los Angeles Times Events, she has extensive knowledge of partnership and sponsorship program development and execution, and is well versed in experiential, cause and cross-platform sales and marketing initiatives. She has a deep understanding of brand and mission storytelling and is committed to building revenue and impact.
Partnerships | Impact