Globally Minded Stories
Documentaries told from around the world, through different experiences and cultures, guided by a human-centered approach rooted in curiosity, trust, and meaningful collaboration.
Toronto's streets hold more than directions; they whisper forgotten stories. The documentary highlights the legacy of some Torontonians and communities remembered in the city’s street names.
Street Cred
WE ARE NOT ABSENT
Premiering: Fall 2026Co-Directors: Kyle Schmalenberg & Laura Friedmann
Produced with CEDA, with the support of Rossbrook House, Ndinawe and Lee Mae Spence, this documentary explores community-led Indigenous education in Treaty 1 Territory (southern Manitoba). Centering Indigenous youth and organizations, the film explores how community, culture and self-determination can help them reclaim ownership of their learning and advance reconciliation.
GLIMPSES INTO THE SPIRIT OF GENDER EQUALITY
2021, 42 min | Tubi TV, CGood TVCo-Directors: Kyle Schmalenberg & Nava Kavelin
This award-winning film, produced with the Baha’i International Community office at the United Nations, touches on the lives of individuals from diverse communities including Colombia, India, Malaysia, the United States, and Zambia and their experiences in applying the principle of gender equality to their lives, contributing to the goals articulated in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS
2025, 22 min Director: Kyle Schmalenberg
Produced in collaboration with the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, this documentary follows a diverse gathering in Kalamazoo where people of all backgrounds and beliefs come together for meaningful conversation. Inspired by the Bahá’í teachings, they seek connection and common ground through reflection, consultation and mutual learning.
WHO WE ARE
2020, 22 min | Amazon Prime Video, Tubi, CGood TVDirector: Kyle Schmalenberg
Produced in collaboration with Motionball & Special Olympics Canada, this documentary follows three Special Olympics athletes and their journeys through sport, competition and community. It also features the founders of Motionball, a national charity connecting the next generation of donors, volunteers and sponsors to the Special Olympics movement. The film celebrates achievement, belonging and the power of inclusion.
PORTRAITS IN FAITH
2013 - Present
Ongoing documentary seriesCreator: Daniel Epstein
Video Producer: Laura Friedmann
Designer/Art Director: Petra Fernandez
500 People, 30 Countries, 25 Years
Portraits in faith exists to heal the world by bringing people together on our bigger, common spiritual journey. We are committed to the belief that there is no “Other.”
https://portraitsinfaith.org/
https://www.youtube.com/user/portraitsinfaith
PLANTING HOPE
2019, 22minDirector: Mafer Agahi
Co-produced with Fundaec, this film traces the foundation’s community-building work in northern Cauca, Colombia, through the voices of those involved in its early efforts in the 1970s. It explores how scientific thought, spiritual insight and traditional knowledge come together to nurture local potential, strengthen rural communities and open new possibilities for life in the countryside, renewing hope for the region’s future.