The grandchild of unschooled Ukrainian and Russian immigrants, Dr. Mildred Brenner-Pollner returned to her roots in 1993, when she was sent by the US government to work as a consultant to Russian Educational Television in Siberia.  As one of the first foreign women allowed in Russian closed cities, she produced educational programming.  

Her work led to a lifetime making films on social issues, including 9/11: Minorities Speak Out and From Flea Market to Free Market (narrated by American ambassador Jack Matlock) about the evolution of former Soviet republics,.  She has examined the social fabric of societies often closed to Western audiences in China: Economic Giant of the Future? and Women in Cuba.  Her films have also explored the societal impact in America of advertising, eating disorders, and gender issues.

Dr. Pollner has lectured and toured with her new films Global Jihad and Brave Children of Israel, which premiered at the Israeli Consulate.  Currently the president of Cinema Verite International, Dr. Pollner was recognized by Columbia University on this date as an honored alumni for her work as an international filmmaker.

Source:  Cinema Verite International; Columbia University.