Startup Salon: Film as Social Impact Innovation

Social impact innovation is more important now than ever, with challenges like climate change, immigration, population growth, and equity in higher education that need innovative and creative thinking and solutions. Learn from two CMC alums who started a company called Optimist after graduating, with a passion for film and social impact. Get inspired to become a social entrepreneur in a space that aligns with your own passions!

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What began as an experiment in empathy—living on $1 a day in Guatemala—has grown into a global journey to tell stories that matter. Chris and Zach have lived in refugee camps, followed an undocumented boy’s journey across borders, and captured the resilience of athletes in Afghanistan, trans leaders in Congress, and families confronting addiction and wealth inequality across the U.S. On stage, they demystify some of the world’s most complex issues, leaving audiences more connected and empowered to make a difference.

Driven by their belief that progress is possible, Chris and Zach co-founded the non-profit Optimist, through which they’ve created over 15 films and series that have raised $112 million for their causes—changing more than 600,000 lives. Their work has been released globally by Netflix, HBO, Amazon, National Geographic, The Atlantic, and more.

Chris and Zach have received widespread acclaim as bold storytellers and compassionate leaders of social justice—honored with the Muslim Public Affairs Council Annual Media Award, and recognized alongside Bill Gates and Angelina Jolie as two of the top 100 visionary leaders by YPO’s Real Leaders Magazine. They have been called upon to share their expertise at TEDx, the United Nations, and the World Humanitarian Summit, and have been featured on CBS This Morning, as well as in major publications including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Variety.

They are best known for directing the feature documentaries Living On One Dollar, Salam Neighbor, and Five Years North, but their gift for storytelling also extends to the business world. As entrepreneurs, they’ve spoken at World 50 and WPO, and have collaborated with global brands, including Google, to tell their brand stories and expand their philanthropic impact. They were honored by HBO and DOCNYC as 40 under 40 top filmmakers.