Susan Polis Schutz

Celebrated filmmaker and writer, Susan Polis Schutz is a force in socially conscious filmmaking. Her mission is to shine light on important current topics through honest, vulnerable and impactful storytelling, and her work continues to influence audiences around the world. In her latest film, Love Wins Over Hate (2020), Susan uncovers the origins and complexities of hatred and creates a poignant story that is needed now more than ever. In a series of thoughtful interviews with former white supremacists and others who held extreme views, Susan explores how these people, who were filled with hate, bigotry and rage are able to change. They find love and compassion with a greater appreciation for all humanity, regardless of race, faith, or sexual orientation, and they all go on to teach others how to love rather than hate. Love Wins Over Hate is a film about hope, the power of redemption, and breaking apart the systems that uphold hate in order to find true peace for a better community. Susan, and her production company IronZeal Films, have been making culturally, impactful films since 2007 and her films have aired on most PBS stations throughout the United States. Her first release, Anyone and Everyone (2007), featured the coming-out stories of gay sons and daughters and their parents. It was, in part, inspired by Susan's own son, Jared Polis, who is the Governor of Colorado, and the first openly gay governor. From there, Susan went on to tackle a series of pertinent issues including homelessness, anxiety, aging, depression and LGBTQ issues. In 2018, Susan won the Christopher Award for work that "affirms the highest values of the human spirit" with her film The Homeless Chorus Speaks. Twelve homeless people speak about their backgrounds, why they are homeless and the importance of the Voices of the City Choir in their lives. In addition to her work as a filmmaker, Susan is a thriving poet, entrepreneur and bestselling author of To My Daughter with Love on the Important Things In Life which has sold approximately 2 million copies. Susan, along with her husband, Stephen Schutz, founded Blue Mountain Arts, a popular publisher known for its distinctive greeting cards, gifts, and poetry books. Susan's poetry has been published on over 435 million greeting cards worldwide. Susan has always been a women's rights activist fighting for gender equality. She is not only a teacher, but a student of the world, who seeks the truth and to impart her lessons. Susan is proud to share her tremendous accomplishments with her loving husband, children and grandchildren.