Abigail E. Disney is an Emmy-winning director, producer, and philanthropist who serves as the CEO and president of Fork Films. She is an active supporter of peacebuilding and is passionate about advancing women's roles in the public sphere.
Growing up in a family of filmmakers, Abigail turned to documentaries to tell the story of a brave group of women who used nonviolent protests and sex strikes to bring an end to Liberia's long civil war. Along with renowned filmmaker Gini Reticker, she made the widely acclaimed Pray the Devil Back to Hell, which highlights the achievements of Leymah Gbowee, who received a Nobel Peace Prize in 2011.
Abigail and Gini went on to found Fork Films, which is known for producing and funding high-profile, critically acclaimed documentaries that are seen on major outlets such as PBS, Netflix, and HBO. In addition to producing original films, Fork Films awards grants to non-fiction films that promote peacebuilding, human rights, and social justice, with a particular emphasis on projects with women behind or in front of the camera.
Abigail is also the founder of Peace is Loud, a nonprofit that inspires action through media and live events that spotlight women leaders on the frontline of peacebuilding worldwide. Her directorial debut, Emmy-winning The Armor of Light, premiered at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival and follows Reverend Rob Schenck and Lucy McBath as they ask whether it is possible to be both pro-gun and pro-life.
In 2012, Abigail created and executive produced the first-of-its-kind series for PBS, Women, War, & Peace, which looked at women in modern war as active agents for peace and positive change makers in their communities. The series garnered numerous awards, including the Overseas Press Club's Edward R. Murrow Award and a Gracie Award.
Abigail has received numerous awards for her work, including the International Women's Media Foundation's honor for advancing women's issues and peace initiatives, IDA's Amicus Award, and the Epic Award presented by The White House Project. She holds a Bachelor's degree from Yale University, a Master's degree from Stanford University, and a Doctorate from Columbia University. Abigail is a mother of four.
