DIRECTOR SPOTLIGHT: Danny Schmidt
Danny Schmidt is an award-winning director, producer, and cinematographer of non-fiction television, documentaries, and web content. He has produced, directed, and photographed documentary films for clients including PBS, National Geographic, Netflix, Smithsonian, NASA, the National Science Foundation, and many others. He won an NW Emmy award for cinematography for his DP work on the PBS film ‘Indian Relay’ and another for best topical documentary for ‘Finding Traction’ on Netflix.
We had the pleasure of hosting Schmidt at the Coast Film and Music Festival in 2022 and 2023. Bringing his passion and heartfelt storytelling to the screens, he won Best Short Film back-to-back for ‘Janwaar’ in 2022 and ‘4DWN’ in 2023. Don’t miss the inspiring Q&A after the screening of 4DWN where we chatted with Schmidt, Hayley Nenadal - Producer, and Founder of 4DWN, Rob Cahill.
Where Passion, Community, and Environmentalism Collide
‘4DWN’
Schmidt’s latest film, 4DWN, is a skateboarding documentary that goes beyond ramps and rails to highlight the importance of bringing a bigger purpose and meaning to life.
For Schmidt, the opportunity to create a film that included his passion for skateboarding, the environment, a bigger purpose, and cause was a dream come true.
Skateboarding serves as an entry point for addressing the needs of communities, and 4DWN embodies this ethos wholeheartedly. Rooted in skate culture, 4DWN isn't just a skatepark—it's a resilience hub, confronting the challenges of food insecurity and social justice in one of Dallas's most underserved areas. It tells an unconventional and deeply personal story, highlighting the mission to transform the lives of all who step through its gates.
What makes 4DWN truly special is its transformation from a skatepark into an urban farm—a space where individuals from all walks of life come together to find a collective purpose. With the addition of a 1/2 acre composting setup and working with local companies to help minimize food waste, Rob Cahill and his team have set up a circular community of giving and purpose.
At its core, 4DWN focuses on the journey of a young skateboarder, Zion Carr, who finds kinship, camaraderie, and a sense of purpose amidst the chaos of life. In our Q&A following the film screening of 4DWN at Coast Film and Music Festival in 2023, Cahill goes into detail about how the 4DWN community supported and fought for Carr through a very difficult time no child should ever have experienced.
Looking ahead, 4DWN aims to “do bigger, better, go further, and faster” for the community of South Dallas—it's a catalyst for sustainable solutions and community empowerment. With initiatives like closed-loop agriculture and a commitment to serving the community's needs sustainably, 4DWN represents resilience while pushing boundaries.
We are so honored to continue to support storytellers like Danny Schmidt, who use their creativity, knowledge, and network to share stories and inspire others to make a positive impact.
4DWN is available on YouTube.
Film partner, Dickies, pledged to double every donation made towards 4DWN.
If you feel inspired to donate toward 4DWN, please donate HERE.
Visit 4dwn.org for more information.
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Director - Danny Schmidt
DP - Chris Naum
Executive Producers - Lindsey Hagen, Clay Barron, Hayley Nenadal, Danny Schmidt
Production Studio - Gnarly Bay
‘Janwaar’
Janwaar, nestled in the rural expanse of Madhya Pradesh, India, is a village steeped in traditional Indian customs, a world away from the bustling metropolis of New Delhi. In 2015, the inception of Janwaar Castle, a skatepark that defies convention, was brought to life, partly through the efforts of Ulrike Reinhard, a 54-year-old German community activist and author. Inspired by the Skateistan project, which created a park for street children in Afghanistan, Reinhard rallied international support, reaching out to artists worldwide to craft artboards from skate decks. With the contributions auctioned on eBay through skate-aid, the skatepark dream became a reality, with donations pouring in for decks, trucks, and equipment, all orchestrated by Reinhard and her team.
The impact of Janwaar Castle has been nothing short of remarkable. As depicted in the documentary, the villagers regard the park with a blend of admiration and intrigue. While the elders may not fully comprehend the sport of skateboarding, they acknowledge its athleticism and its ability to captivate the children. Above all, they recognize its incredible impact in fostering joy—a precious commodity amidst challenging circumstances.
For filmmaker Schmidt, the essence of the documentary lies in evoking positivity. Through the infectious happiness seen on the children's faces, Schmidt aims to instill a sense of hope and optimism in his audience. In a world often inundated with stories of sadness and misfortune, Schmidt's narrative offers a refreshing perspective, even if just for a brief moment, reminding us of the transformative power of community, resilience, and the simple joy of skateboarding.
JANWAAR is available on Vimeo.
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Directed by Danny Schmidt
Executive Producers | Asha + Sajjan Agarwal
Coproducer | Zac Ramras
Cinematography | Danny Schmidt + Zac Ramras
Editing | Danny Schmidt
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