Director and producer Sean Kafer, who leads the doc|UWM program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, was recently awarded one of three honorary mentions for Best Voting Video in a nationwide challenge to inspire civic engagement.
Kafer entered his short film, “Don’t Tell Me Your Vote Doesn’t Matter,” in the Spark The Vote challenge that encouraged creatives across the United States to drive participation in this year’s election by finding the intersection of art and activism. The competition is part of the larger “Why Do You Vote?” social action campaign sponsored by Money Out Voters In, a nonprofit organization “dedicated to ending corporate rule and promoting civic engagement.”
For his entry, Kafer enlisted the help of producer and activist Mariah Smith, who delivers a powerful message meant to inspire and mobilize potential voters. “This film is for those who may question whether their voice can create change," Kafer said in a release. "We want to remind people that their vote is not just important—it's essential."
Added Smith, “Every vote counts, and every voice matters. We can't afford to be silent. Sean's film captures that urgency in a way that is both relatable and inspiring.”
You can see the result of Kafer and Smith’s collaboration below, and view all of the winning films on the “Why Do You Vote?” webpage.
