PBS Documentarian Working for Peace and Understanding

Alex Kronemer, MTS '85, Film Producer, Unity Productions Foundation (Baltimore, San Francisco, Istanbul)

View more stories on HDS alumni and their career paths.

Describe the work you do today:

I am the co-founder of Unity Productions Foundation (upf.tv). I write, direct and produce nationally broadcast documentaries for PBS aimed at working for peace and understanding of Muslims and Islam. These films have received many awards and accolades, including an Emmy nomination. I also supervise the many educational, interfaith, and civic engagement activities built around my films. Finally, I oversee our work in Hollywood, helping TV and movie producers craft balanced portrayals of Muslims and Islam in many popular television shows.

How has your HDS degree influenced your career journey?

My time at HDS taught me the importance of expanding religious literacy in the country. The lack of understanding and appreciation, not only for other faith traditions, but even one's own, is the root of much of the intolerance, fear, and hatred that sometimes flares up among different religious traditions. HDS taught me that they all boil down to the same message of treating others as we would want to be treated and launched me on my career to help people see themselves in the other.

What career advice would you offer to current HDS students?

As you begin your work journey, think strategically about pursuing your goals. Too often, people make tactical decisions about job opportunities, jumping on the next opportunity without considering how well it contributes to their overarching goals. The next best move may not be the job with a higher salary or more prestigious title if it doesn't clearly keep you on the path of your goal. I, myself, spent nearly 10 years doggedly pursing my goals and passing on several tempting offers that would have taken me somewhere else: maybe somewhere good, but not toward my goals. At times, when my goals seemed far off, I regretted the paths I didn't take, but ultimately it got me to where I wanted to be.  In other words, keep your eyes on the prize.