The Ciesla Foundation

The Ciesla Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public, tax-exempt educational organization based in Washington, D.C. The foundation employs five people and reports annual revenue of $2.5 million. Ciesla produces documentaries that explore non-stereotypical portrayals of Jewish history and celebrate the accomplishments of often-overlooked Jewish heroes. Their films examine a diverse range of subjects, including the life and career of media pioneer Gertrude Berg, the story of Major League Baseball legend Hank Greenberg, and the Jewish resistance against Nazi occupation in Vilna. Most recently, Ciesla released a documentary about Julius Rosenwald, the head of Sears who championed education and the arts for African Americans during the Jim Crow era. Ciesla's approach to filmmaking emphasizes insightful storytelling, featuring interviews with notable figures and ensuring wide distribution to reach a broad audience. The foundation's commitment to uncovering and celebrating these stories has earned its films numerous accolades, including top honors from prestigious organizations like the National Society of Film Critics, the New York Film Critics Circle, and the Broadcast Film Critics Association. For more information about The Ciesla Foundation and its work, please visit cieslafoundation.org.