Sara Hirsh Bordo is a dynamic filmmaker, producer, and entrepreneur whose career has been marked by a deep commitment to empowering women and girls through storytelling and media. With a background in high-level marketing roles at Paramount Pictures and MGM Studios, Bordo has leveraged her expertise to create impactful content and experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Bordo’s journey in the media industry began with significant roles in interactive and digital marketing. As the executive director of interactive marketing at Paramount Pictures and VP of digital marketing at MGM Studios, she honed her skills in crafting engaging digital campaigns. These roles not only provided her with a robust understanding of the media landscape but also fueled her desire to create content that could drive social change.
In 2012, Bordo co-founded NowLive, a company that produced live events for major entertainment brands, before transitioning to focus on her own projects. One of her most notable achievements is founding Women Rising, a production company and content studio dedicated to the empowerment of women and girls. Women Rising aims to highlight the experiences of women and girls, promoting ways to unite and uplift them through media.
Bordo’s directorial debut, *A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story*, was a landmark project that solidified her reputation as a filmmaker. The documentary, which tells the inspiring story of Lizzie Velasquez, a woman who was bullied for her appearance but turned her experience into a global anti-bullying movement, premiered at SXSW and won the audience award. The film’s success extended to winning awards at every festival it played, securing global distribution, and even qualifying for an Academy Award. Bordo’s commitment to telling Velasquez’s story with sensitivity and respect garnered widespread acclaim and showcased her talent for creating emotionally resonant documentaries.
Beyond her work with Velasquez, Bordo has continued to tackle significant social issues through her films. She directed the Women’s March of Texas rally in 2017, which became the largest gathering of women in Texas history, and documented the United State of Women Summit in 2018. Her ongoing project, *We Go Higher: A Documentary Series of Hope*, features messages from 9/11 survivors and others affected by mass tragedies, aiming to foster resilience and hope.
Bordo’s storytelling extends to a variety of formats and topics. She produced *Tightly Wound*, an animated film about a woman’s experience living with chronic pelvic pain, and directed *ProtectHer*, a documentary about a sexual assault prevention program that engages young male athletes in redefining masculinity. These projects highlight her dedication to addressing complex and often underrepresented issues, using media as a tool for education and advocacy.
Bordo’s work is deeply personal, often reflecting her own life experiences. After moving to Los Angeles post-divorce, she faced significant challenges, including being a survivor of sexual assault. These experiences have shaped her compassionate approach to storytelling and her commitment to giving voice to those who have been marginalized. Her ability to connect with diverse communities and tell their stories with authenticity and empathy is a testament to her resilience and dedication to social change.
In addition to her filmmaking, Bordo is an active member of the Producer’s Guild of America New Media Council and has been nominated twice for Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Entrepreneur. Her work has been featured in prominent publications such as Inc., Entrepreneur, Forbes, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, IndieWire, People, The Mighty, The Washington Post, and The New York Times, underscoring her influence and impact in the industry.
Looking ahead, Bordo remains focused on her mission to empower women and girls through media. Her company, Women Rising, continues to produce content that challenges societal norms, fosters community, and inspires action. Bordo’s dedication to her craft and her unwavering commitment to social justice make her a leading figure in the world of documentary filmmaking and women’s advocacy.
Sara Hirsh Bordo’s career is a powerful example of how storytelling can be a catalyst for change. Through her films, she has given voice to those who are often unheard and has inspired countless individuals to embrace their strength and resilience. Her work not only entertains but also educates and empowers, making a lasting impact on audiences around the world.
Visited 6 times, 1 visit(s) today