2026 Finalist, Emerging Documentary Finalist

51st STATE

Year: 2024

Runtime: 26 minutes 45 seconds

Synopsis:

People call Jamal Holtz the future mayor (or governor) of D.C. At 25, he is a warm, extroverted, “old soul,” passionately dedicated to establishing Washington D.C. as The United States’ newest state. “51st STATE” is a short film that explores the emerging national issue of D.C. statehood from the personal perspective of one of its youngest and most vibrant Gen Z leaders – set against the overlooked cultural backdrop of our capital city and a deep yet virtually unknown crack in our democracy.

Photo 9 Jamal-and-DC-Statehood-Mura-webcontrast

Film Credits

Meet The Director:

Hannah Rosenzweig is an award-winning film director, producer, and founder of Intention Media Inc. Hannah directed the critically-acclaimed film, SURGE about the record number of women who ran, won, and upended politics in the 2018 midterm elections that premiered on SHOWTIME in 2020. She has produced for films on National Geographic TV, The History Channel, and Sundance TV. Since serving as Hillary Clinton’s personal videographer for her 2008 presidential campaign, Hannah has directed media and consulted with candidates, elected officials, and campaigns nationwide. She is currently the Executive Director of The People, a group of creatives using digital media and storytelling to defend democracy in states around the country. Hannah was recently awarded a prestigious JustFilms Fellowship from the Ford Foundation for leaders working in film, storytelling, and social impact.

Producer(s):

Liat Z. Rubin and Ray Whitehouse