Jazz Empowers Documentary A Note Towards Tomorrow to Premiere at Newburyport Documentary Film Festival
Jazz Empowers is excited to announce that A Note Towards Tomorrow, a new short documentary centered on two Jazz Empowers students in Queens, New York, will have its premiere screening at the 2026 Newburyport Documentary Film Festival.
The screening will take place on Sunday, September 27, at 1:00 p.m. ET in Newburyport, Massachusetts. The festival runs September 25–27 and brings together documentary filmmakers and audiences for three days of screenings and conversations.
A Note Towards Tomorrow follows Ezequiel, a vibrant young drummer, and Zoya, a thoughtful trombonist, during their final year of middle school. Over the past three years, both students have grown as musicians and young people through their participation in Jazz Empowers.
As Ezequiel and Zoya prepare for their final performance at the annual Jazz Empowers New York City Student Showcase in Brooklyn, the film reflects on their musical journeys, friendship, and hopes for the future. Through rehearsals, performances, and personal reflections, the documentary offers an intimate look at how access to sustained jazz education can help young people find their voices, develop confidence, and build a sense of belonging.
“This film beautifully captures what we see in Jazz Empowers classrooms every day: when students are given access to meaningful music education, they do far more than learn notes and rhythms,” said Andrew Johnston, Founder & Executive Director of Jazz Empowers and an executive producer of the film. “They find their voices, build confidence, form lasting friendships, and begin to imagine what is possible for their futures. We are incredibly proud of Ezequiel and Zoya, and grateful that their story will now reach a wider audience.”
The documentary was directed by David Reppond, an award-winning filmmaker and Founder and Creative Director of Luminous Media. The film’s creative team also includes Producer Giovanna Conservani, Director of Photography Samuel Moskowitz, Editor Will Murphy, Executive Producers Andrew Johnston and Sheila Houlahan, and Co-Producer Danny Fernandez, Jazz Empowers’ New York City Regional Director.
Jazz Empowers extends its sincere appreciation to Ezequiel, Zoya, and their families for sharing their stories, as well as to the educators, filmmakers, and supporters who helped bring the project to life.
The premiere marks an exciting opportunity to share the impact of jazz education beyond the classroom and introduce audiences to the talented young people at the heart of Jazz Empowers’ work.
To learn more about the documentary, visit the official film website or follow A Note Towards Tomorrow on Instagram. Additional festival and ticket information is available through the Newburyport Documentary Film Festival.