Kartemquin Films appoints three new board members

Abby Kang Davis, Patrice Perkins and Shirley Yang

Kartemquin Films announced the addition of three esteemed new members to the organization’s board, including Abby Kang DavisPatrice Perkins and Shirley Yang. The three additions join the board ahead of the Chicago documentary production non profit’s April board meeting. Kartemquin’s board is now comprised of 16 members, led by Chair Pamela Sherrod Anderson.

“I am delighted to welcome these three dynamic women to the board,” said Anderson. “Their unique voices and talents help to strengthen Kartemquin as a change agent in our work and in providing a more active voice to our mission of Democracy through Documentary.”

Throughout her career, Abby Kang Davis has focused on breaking underrepresented voices into the commercial television and film industry. Her specialized skill set in identifying viable talent, advocacy and mentorship on behalf of unknown storytellers has garnered millions in sales revenue, top tier film festival invitations and award nominations. Currently Abby is the founder of character., a producing and consulting company that focuses on discovering and advocating for underrepresented storytellers into the commercial film and television marketplace. 


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“Since discovering Kartemquin years ago, the die hard Midwesterner and truth teller in me has wanted to find a way to formally work together,” said Davis. “Kartemquin has done an incredible job of supporting storytellers who often go unseen and challenge our homogenous industry with their work. I am very eager and grateful to be involved in their mission.”

Patrice Perkins is a business and intellectual property attorney with a focus on arts, new media, and entertainment. In 2010, Patrice founded Creative Genius Law®. Her clients are creators, influencers, and organizations across all creative industries. She helps clients protect their creative capital in order to expand their impact on communities and industries, preserve the legacy of their creations, and create generational wealth. Patrice is one of few attorneys across the globe recognized by the American Bar Association as a “Legal Rebel” – a leading innovator in the legal industry.

“For many years (dating back to college), I’ve been a fan of independent film and tv,” said Perkins. My first introduction to Kartemquin was when I saw The Interrupters in 2011. I am honored to join the board and work with an organization that supports local filmmakers. This role is an intersection of my personal interests and commitment to the arts in my law firm.”

Shirley Yang is an impact-oriented and entrepreneurial executive with 15 years of experience across branding, marketing, and strategy consulting. She is currently Head of Marketing for Deposits at Marcus by Goldman Sachs, where she oversees customer strategy, acquisition, retention, and communications. She started her career as a marketing manager for Chicago’s 2016 Olympic Bid where she oversaw the production of 30 commercials and short films.

“I am moved by Kartemquin’s vibrant history and it’s mission of empowering independent filmmakers and creating stories that foster a more just society,” said Yang. “I’m honored to join the Kartemquin Board and help advance its mission at this exciting time in documentary films.”


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