Essential Knowledge For
Filmmakers
Of Colors
JT Takagi is an award-winning, Emmy-nominated, independent filmmaker, sound recordist, and the Executive Director of Third World Newsreel.
Behind The Lens: The Journey Of
JT Takagi
Takagi’s films are primarily on Asian, Asian American, and immigrant issues, including “Bittersweet Survival,” “Homes Apart: Korea,” The Women Outside,” and “North Korea: Beyond the DMZ,” which aired nationally on PBS. As a sound engineer, she has worked on numerous television and theatrical documentaries, including “POWER,” the Oscar-nominated “Strong Island,” “Zora Neale Hurston: Claiming a Space,” “Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution,” the Emmy-nominated “4 Little Girls,” and “A Litany for Survival: The Life and Work of Audre Lorde.” Takagi also teaches film and sound at The City University of New York and The New School, and serves on the boards of several organizations and community groups working for peace and social justice. She is also a member of the Documentary Branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Takagi is the 2026 DOC NYC recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2025 BlackStar Luminary Award for Third World Newsreel. Find more of her work here: https://film.twn.org/collections/the-work-of-jt-takagi
Through The Lens: A Glimpse Into
JT Takagi
's
World
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Voices Of Impact: Celebrating
JT Takagi
's
Vision
When I first joined a twn workshop, I was an aspiring filmmaker with a vision but uncertain how to bring it to life. twn didn't just offer me tools and training; they provided a community that believed in my story.
When I first joined a twn workshop, I was an aspiring filmmaker with a vision but uncertain how to bring it to life. twn didn't just offer me tools and training; they provided a community that believed in my story. The mentors and peers I met there have become lifelong collaborators and friends. Today, I'm proud to say my documentary, which highlights the struggles and triumphs of Indigenous communities, has not only been made but has received acclaim in film festivals. This journey of empowerment and creation began with twn, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
When I first joined a twn workshop, I was an aspiring filmmaker with a vision but uncertain how to bring it to life. twn didn't just offer me tools and training; they provided a community that believed in my story. The mentors and peers I met there have become lifelong collaborators and friends. Today, I'm proud to say my documentary, which highlights the struggles and triumphs of Indigenous communities, has not only been made but has received acclaim in film festivals. This journey of empowerment and creation began with twn, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
When I first joined a twn workshop, I was an aspiring filmmaker with a vision but uncertain how to bring it to life. twn didn't just offer me tools and training; they provided a community that believed in my story. The mentors and peers I met there have become lifelong collaborators and friends. Today, I'm proud to say my documentary, which highlights the struggles and triumphs of Indigenous communities, has not only been made but has received acclaim in film festivals. This journey of empowerment and creation began with twn, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
"JT is a force: a teacher, sound recordist, filmmaker, and fierce advocate for collaborative storytelling long before it was de rigueur in the documentary field. Partnering with communities that are the focus of the films she makes is not optional for Takagi; it is at the heart of her work."
"JT's leadership at TWN has created opportunities for so many, including me."
"With filmmaker JT Takagi at the helm, TWN’s commitment to social justice media creating, training, and exhibition has never been more relevant than now!"
"JT is an extraordinary force in documentary filmmaking—a gifted educator, filmmaker, sound recordist, visionary, and inspiring mentor who has influenced generations of media makers over the decades."
"JT Takagi is a gem! The indie film community is blessed to have her talent and dedication."
