Murders That Matter Discussion Guide

This guide is an invitation to dialogue. It is based on a belief in the power of human connection and designed for people who want to use Murders That Matter to engage family, friends, classmates, colleagues, and communities. In contrast to initiatives that foster debates in which participants try to convince others that they are right, this document envisions conversations undertaken in a spirit of openness in which people try to understand one another and expand their thinking by sharing viewpoints and listening actively.

The discussion prompts are intentionally crafted to help a wide range of audiences think more deeply about the issues in the film. Rather than attempting to address them all, choose one or two that best meet your needs and interests. And be sure to leave time to consider taking action. Planning next steps can help people leave the room feeling energized and optimistic, even in instances when conversations have been difficult.

For more detailed event planning and facilitation tips, visit https://communitynetwork.amdoc.org/.

Maya Wanner 

Maya Wanner is an award-winning documentary filmmaker based in Chicago, where she focuses on uplifting underrepresented stories. Her primary interests include immigrant family narratives, intergenerational trauma and healing, multiracial identity, personal storytelling, and Asian American stories. Her body of work is predominantly personal. She draws inspiration from her own family history, her experiences as an Asian American, the transmission of memory within immigrant families, and the complexities of racial identity. Her short film The Things I Haven’t Told You Yet was called “a beautiful personal exorcism of familial relationships that playfully toggles a full breadth of what’s possible in the cinematic language.”
Maya has a range of experience in film, including teaching, directing, and freelancing for a range of production companies. She is currently working on a number of projects as a freelance researcher, cinematographer, sound recordist, and editor. She is the outreach and impact coordinator for Murders That Matter.
Maya holds an MFA in documentary media from Northwestern University, and a degree in English, religion, and film from Kalamazoo College. 

Discussion Guide Producers 

Courtney B. Cook, Phd | Education Manager, POV
Rees | Education Assistant, POV

Thanks to those who reviewed and contributed to this resource:

Natalie Danford, Copyeditor