CREATING SOCIAL JUSTICE THROUGH FILM
Founded by Amy Berg in 2006, Disarming Films is a full service film and documentary production company that creates films focusing on issues of social importance. Since its inception, Disarming Films has collaborated with some of the greatest artists of our time, including Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Nick Cave, Warren Ellis, Jon Krakauer, Ron Howard, Erica Huggins, Cat Power, Frances McDormand, Noriko Shinohara, Johnny Depp, Eddie Vedder, Working Title Films, Paramount Pictures, Lionsgate Entertainment, Anonymous Content, Jigsaw Productions, SONY Music, SONY Classics, Netflix, HBO, and Showtime.
Amy Berg is a critically acclaimed, Oscar and Emmy-nominated, documentary filmmaker. Her first film, DELIVER US FROM EVIL, was nominated for an Academy Award and a DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Documentary in 2007. She went on to direct WEST OF MEMPHIS in collaboration with producers Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh. The film premiered to rave reviews at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, was BAFTA nominated, and won the WGA Documentary Screenplay Award. Sony Pictures Classics released the film in Fall 2012.
In 2013, Amy’s psychological thriller EVERY SECRET THING (starring Diane Lane, Dakota Fanning, Elizabeth Banks, Common, and then newcomer Danielle MacDonald) was purchased by IFC. She then directed a documentary about the exploitation and sexual abuse of young actors , AN OPEN SECRET, followed by an introspective look at a religious cult: PROPHET'S PREY, made in association with Showtime and Imagine Entertainment, which premiered at Sundance and was released theatrically in fall 2015.
Her project about music legend Janis Joplin, JANIS: LITTLE GIRL BLUE, premiered at the Venice and Toronto Film Festivals followed by a theatrical release in fall 2015. The film was an international success with a wide global release.
Amy’s company, Disarming Films, has been producing long form documentary features and docuseries for broadcast for over a decade. Her highly anticipated series THE CASE AGAINST ADNAN SYED for HBO was released in April of 2019 and the second season of DOGS is coming soon to Netflix. Disarming Films' has now branched out to producing films within the documentary community, with the first release: WE ARE: THE BROOKLYN SAINTS which aired on Netflix in January.
DEVELOPMENT AP
Before getting into development, Devyn’s professional work in the film & television industry began in production on scripted series for Netflix and Showtime. While writing and pitching her own scripted projects, she worked for independent producers developing IP and original material for both scripted and unscripted television markets. Sharing Disarming Film’s storytelling mission, Devyn began working for the company in 2019.
When she’s not working for the film & television industry, she’s learning about climate justice and how to dismantle systems of oppression by engaging in work led by community organizers in New York.
She’s a cat mom, former concert-goer, resistant cog in the capitalist wheel of America, and amateur yogi.
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Ali Edwards is a writer, actress and producer based in Brooklyn, NY. After graduating from Boston University with a BS in Film, Ali went on to form her own feminist film production company and write and produce two web series, a short film and is currently in post production for her first feature film august at twenty two. With a strong passion for social justice and intersectionality, Ali is thrilled to be a part of the Disarming Team.
When not making movies, Ali can be found cooking for her friends and family and taking weekend trips to the Hudson Valley.
LENNY BERG
MASCOT
Lenny has been a member of the Disarming Films family since his days as a puppy in the Big Apple. He travels around the world supporting the team both in the office and on set. When he isn't screening cuts, you can find Lenny modeling outfits designed by Ada Nieves and running through the dog parks of New York City.
