Dreams collide in a vibrant New York neighborhood
In Washington Heights, N.Y., the scent of warm coffee hangs in the air just outside of the 181st St. subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies a vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is a likable and magnetic bodega owner who hopes, imagines and sings about a better life.
Impact in Action
Learn about the impact of this film on communities.
In The Heights is more than just a film; it’s a vibrant celebration of community and identity that resonates deeply within society. By spotlighting the diverse voices of Washington Heights, the film has sparked conversations about representation and the importance of uplifting marginalized communities.
With its rich storytelling and dynamic characters, In The Heights illustrates how art can drive social change. The film's release coincided with a renewed focus on issues of equity and representation in Hollywood, encouraging audiences to demand more authentic narratives. According to recent surveys, films that showcase underrepresented communities can increase awareness and empathy, leading to greater advocacy for social policies that support these groups.
The film not only entertains but also empowers viewers to reflect on their own identities and the importance of community ties. It serves as a reminder that every story matters and has the power to inspire action and drive positive change in our society.
Dive Deeper
Get to know more about the problem.
Learn more about the issue
Explore relevant research & latest news
Go the extra mile!
Where to Watch
Oops, we could not find any watch sources for this media.
FAQ
See more FAQs here.
Continue Exploring
Discover more stories and insights that align with your interests.
Similar Impact Campaigns
Check out these media campaigns with similar social themes and impact tags

East of Wall
On a rundown ranch in the Badlands, Tabatha Zimiga is perfecting her winged eyeliner before another day of horse training. Despite being considered one of the best at what she does, Zimiga is struggling to put food on the table for herself, her mother (Jennifer Ehle) and the group of neighborhood kids she’s raising. Only a year after the death of her husband, Tabatha and those around her are still quietly reeling from this loss. As personal and financial pressures build, Roy (Scoot McNairy), an outsider with an agenda, offers her an out. But what’s the catch? Brimming with authenticity, Kate Beecroft’s docu-fiction drama East of Wall immerses us into the triumphs and trials of the Zimiga family while showcasing the beauty of the Badlands and the people who call it home. Featuring star-making performances by Tabatha and daughter Porshia Zimiga, as well as awe-inspiring cinematography by Austin Shelton, East of Wall is a revelatory exploration of women who refuse to back down.

Because of You: A History of Kilawin Kolektibo
This archival documentary traces the history of Kilawin Kolektibo, a pioneering collective of Filipnxs who came together in NYC in the mid-nineties. Having experienced marginalization in Filipino culture because of their queerness and in mainstream gay culture because of their race, language, and gender, the members of the group sought political empowerment and increased visibility. Above all, they sought to create a space of friendship and safety for those who found themselves suspended between cultures and identities. Kilawin Kolektibo allowed them to transform their experience of oppression into one of joy and growth. Kilawin made lasting connections with similar groups in the global Filipinx diaspora, most significantly, with Babaylan, a queer Filipinx group based in Toronto. Culling from a treasure trove of over a quarter century’s worth of historic documentation that includes footage, photographs, interviews and ephemera, the film tells the inspiring story of members as they found each other, fell in love, and became each other’s lifeblood amidst a society that rejected them. From marching, partying, and protesting, to its oftentimes incestuous sexual politics, the film serves as an exhilarating memorial to the rebellion and nostalgia of the nineties.
Related Articles
Read our blog on the state of impact entertainment and Empact updates!
Empact: on turning empathy into action
Transforming emotional stories into actionable social change, Empact empowers filmmakers and brands to create impactful entertainment and meaningful audience engagement.
Why every film should have an impact campaign
Explaining the importance of impact campaigns for filmmakers to engage audiences, spark action, and enhance a film's reach and legacy.