Austin’s own community‑driven nonprofit, Austin Coming Together, has brought home a prestigious honor. Their 36‑minute documentary, The Good News, was named the winner of the Outstanding Achievement for Branded Content – Long Form Content at the 68th Chicago/Midwest Emmy Awards, held last weekend at the Swissôtel Chicago.
Local leaders and a shared vision
The film, produced in partnership with Chicago production company PRIME 312, profiles the neighborhood’s most dedicated organizers, residents, and business owners. It highlights Austin Forward Together, the nonprofit’s comprehensive quality‑of‑life plan that tackles seven core issues: education, housing, youth empowerment, economic development, public safety, and community narrative.
“It’s a tribute to the work that’s happening here,” said Darnell Shields, executive director of Austin Coming Together. Shields explained that the project began in 2018 when community members voiced a clear desire to change the narrative about Austin, moving away from headlines of disinvestment toward stories of resilience, power, and hope.
Recognition for community storytelling
Producers Christopher Hoerdemann and Norma Hoerdemann, along with associate producers La’Shawna Bundy, Grace Cooper, Arewa Najm Ekua, Nyla Larry and Ethan Ramsay, accepted the Emmy on behalf of the organization. Their fellow nominee, Southpaw North, documented a teenage boxer’s journey from Chicago’s South Side to a north‑suburban private school.
Shields described the Emmy win as “surreal” and a validation of years of grassroots effort. “If you spend any time in Austin, you know that the people and their stories have always been worthy,” he said. “This award belongs to the community of Austin, my lifelong home.”
Building on momentum
While the documentary is not yet available for public streaming, Austin Coming Together invites interested parties to join its mailing list for private screenings. The organization also offers a screening toolkit and is willing to travel to host viewings in other neighborhoods.
“We think it’s important to keep talking about the challenges our community has faced and the ways our leaders have worked together to find solutions,” Shields added. “The recognition we’re receiving now helps us attract more visitors who want to see the Austin we love, not just the negative narratives that have been painted about us.”
Looking ahead
The Emmy accolade comes as Austin continues to implement its Austin Forward Together plan, a strategic roadmap aimed at fostering long‑term prosperity for families and preserving the neighborhood’s strong faith‑based values. With renewed visibility, the nonprofit hopes to leverage the award to secure additional resources and partnerships that will further strengthen education, housing, and economic opportunities for residents.
For more information about the documentary, private screenings, or to get involved with Austin Coming Together, contact associate producer Ethan Ramsay at [email protected].
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
