Document. preserve. Transform
Poïesis is an Oscar-qualifying original filmmaking company committed to making films for social good. We focus on documenting important stories, preserving legacies for future generations, and transforming the way we understand families, cultures, and societies through the power of film.
As seen on...
IMPACT
Changing the Way the World Thinks About Disability
Poiesis' founder, Michael Joseph McDonald's work has been screened everywhere from the hallowed halls of the United Nations to the humble walls of a Ukrainian bunker--from tent screenings in the DRC to a White House screening before the President of the Unites States. Once, Pope Francis even invited him to share his work with a live audience of 2 million people.
And all the while, he's continued to pursue his mission of making inclusive films which celebrate the art of living, explore the undertold stories of neurodiversity, and seek to transform epistemic injustice.
A Crack in the Disability Glass Ceiling
Not all of our films are about disability, but they are all made in collaboration with people with disabilities.
One recent victory was when our founder co-created an animated short with Nicholas Herd (pictured above). The resulting film made Nicholas Herd the first filmmaker with Down syndrome to qualify for an Oscar. Check out his vlog about the Oscar Race here.
