Kartemquin Films Collection

Celebrating the 60-year anniversary of the Kartemquin Collection.
Stay tuned for more details about events and screenings coming in 2026.

The award-winning nonprofit production company Kartemquin Films donated the physical materials in its archives to WashU Libraries’ Film & Media Archive (FMA).

Since its founding in 1966, filmmakers associated with Kartemquin Films have produced 70+ documentary films that focus on social justice issues and the experiences of marginalized groups. The FMA has received an extensive collection of materials from Kartemquin, including 3,500 cans of film, over 11,000 videotapes, more than 2,000 audio items, and 440 boxes of papers.

Kartemquin’s gift signaled the start of an ongoing relationship between the organization and WashU. Work is being done to promote Kartemquin’s important filmmaking legacy. Given its size and scope, the collection will take some time to process.