Commonwealth Club of California Podcast 'All the Empty Rooms' Film Screening with Q&A
Nov 27, 2025
Joshua Seftel, a documentary filmmaker known for his impactful storytelling, joins Nancy Blackwell, a mother navigating life after losing her son to a school shooting. They discuss the emotional heart of their film, 'All the Empty Rooms,' which memorializes the bedrooms of children lost to gun violence. Nancy shares her journey through grief, emphasizing the importance of keeping her son's room intact as a living tribute. The filmmakers reflect on how empathy, rather than anger, can inspire change, aiming to evoke humanity in their poignant portrayal of loss.
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Center The Victims Not The Killers
- Kevin Smoakler emphasizes focusing on victims rather than killers to preserve dignity and memory.
- Shifting coverage from perpetrators to victims reveals the human cost and avoids sensationalizing violence.
Filmmaker Inspired By Personal Stakes
- Joshua Seftel recounts being approached by Steve Hartman and agreeing to make the documentary.
- He was motivated by the thought of his own young daughters facing active shooter drills in future years.
Room Preserved As A Living Memory
- Nancy Blackwell describes keeping her son Dominic's room intact so younger siblings can connect with him.
- The preserved room serves as a tangible memory for children who never met Dominic.