Stories That Matter: Cinema Meets Science, Society, and Global Affairs at John Hopkins 

Everyone has a story to tell. It all depends on when and how personal it is.

At Johns Hopkins University, a bold new dimension to cinematic storytelling is warming up with its Stories That Matter film series – one designed to merge art, science, and pressing societal issues in a unique forum for dialogue and discovery.

Hosted at the Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C., and partnered with international venues, the series promises to be a groundbreaking platform for filmmakers, scholars, students, and policymakers to engage in vital conversations about our world.

Anchored at the Hopkins Bloomberg Center’s 375-seat theater, the series aims to become a hub for interdisciplinary exploration.

The center’s executive, Cybele Bjorklund says:

“The series embodies the ethos and mission of the Hopkins Bloomberg Center to serve as a public square for discovery and dialogue about the pressing issues of our time,”.

By showcasing films that explore topics like international relations, public health, and social justice, Stories That Matter seeks to foster dialogue between creators, audiences, and thought leaders.

The series will include narrative features, documentaries, and short films from both U.S. and international filmmakers. Screenings will also extend to Johns Hopkins campuses in Baltimore and Bologna, Italy, the latter at the historic Cinema Modernissimo in collaboration with the Fondazione Cineteca di Bologna.

A Powerful Opening

The series kicks off on February 21 with Daughters, a Netflix documentary that has garnered critical acclaim, including an Academy Award shortlist and multiple festival awards. The film, directed by Angela Patton and Natalie Rae, explores the emotional journey of four young girls preparing for a Daddy-Daughter Dance with their incarcerated fathers. Patton, also CEO of Girls for a Change, will attend the screening and participate in a post-film discussion.

What sets Stories That Matter apart is its commitment to connecting cinema with global issues. Post-screening conversations will feature not only directors and actors but also experts in fields like law, media, public health, and diplomacy. These discussions will be moderated by Johns Hopkins academic faculty, creating a platform for exploring the real-world impact of the themes presented on screen.

Sig Libowitz, director of the graduate film and media program at Johns Hopkins, emphasized the significance of the series. “This initiative embodies our One Hopkins approach, bringing scholars, filmmakers, and world leaders together for unique cinematic experiences,” Libowitz said. “By presenting bold, impactful films alongside thought-provoking conversations, the series elevates public dialogue and expands perspectives.”

In Bologna, the series takes on an international flair with restored classics curated by Gianluca Farinelli, director of the Fondazione Cineteca di Bologna.

“Cinema plays a fundamental role in our collective memory as artists and citizens,” Farinelli remarked. The collaboration will present films restored through the World Cinema Project, created by Martin Scorsese, to highlight global history and universal themes.

Johns Hopkins SAIS Europe students and the Bologna community will have the opportunity to attend these screenings and engage with the series, adding a valuable global perspective.

In addition to screenings, participating directors will teach master classes for graduate students in the film and media program. These sessions aim to deepen students’ understanding of cinema’s artistic and cultural significance in an ever-changing world.

With Stories That Matter, Johns Hopkins is redefining the role of cinema in public discourse. By blending storytelling with scholarship, the series promises to illuminate urgent global challenges while inspiring dialogue across borders and disciplines.