Debra Chasnoff

Debra Chasnoff is a documentary filmmaker and activist whose films address progressive social justice issues. Her production company GroundSpark produces and distributes films, educational resources and campaigns on issues ranging from environmental concerns to affordable housing to preventing prejudice.

Debra Chasnoff was born October 12, 1957 in Philadelphia [2]. Chasnoff grew up in a secular Jewish family in a Maryland suburb of Washington, D.C. [16]. She attended Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where she studied economics [1][3]. For a brief time after college Chasnoff worked as a telecommunications rate analyst representing clients with roles in the nuclear weapons industry [3]. Chasnoff quit this profession because her job was not in line with her social activism beliefs and aspirations, and began her career as a social activist and media producer [3].

She has two sons: Noah Klausner Chasnoff, born in 1988, and Oscar Chasnoff Klausner, born in 1994 [3][15]. Chasnoff is married to Nancy Otto who works as a glass blowing artist and a non-profit fundraising consultant [3].

Chasnoff is the senior producer and president of Groundspark. GroundSpark's mission is to "create films and dynamic education campaigns that move individuals and communities to take action for a more just world." [4]. Groundspark's Respect for All Project (RFAP), "seeks to create safe, hate-free schools and communities" through documentaries and accompanying educational campaigns [6][7].

She is a Visiting Scholar in Public Policy at Mills College and a frequent lecturer on college campuses across the country. She is a Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow. Chasnoff has been a member and owner of the film distribution company New Day Films since 1996 and has served as Chair of New Day's Steering Committee twice[1]. She was appointed by Mayor Art Agnos to the San Francisco Film and Video Arts Commission where she also served as Vice Chair. She served on the advisory board of Frameline (the San Francisco International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival), Jewish Voices for Peace, and Power Up. [1].

Chasnoff has directed and/or produced twelve films in the United States since her filmmaking career began in 1984 [1]. Chasnoff directed and co-produced Choosing Children in 1984 with her partner at the time Kim Klausner [1][13]. This film explored same-sex parenting and helped launch a profound cultural shift regarding parenting in the LGBTQ community [1][13]. Choosing Children showcased six families composed of same-sex parents and children brought into the family through adoption, donor insemination, foster parenting, and through previous relationships [13].

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