Filiz Efe McKinney is a documentary filmmaker whose work sparks empathy and dialogue, guided by a vision for a more just and compassionate world. Rooted in her Turkish heritage, where old and new, East and West intersect, she focuses on cultivating a culture of inclusion by telling stories that challenge deep-seated biases. Filiz has directed the Anti-Bias Early Childhood Films series, which explo
res the role families and educators play in fostering anti-bias values. Families Embracing Anti-Bias Values (2024) raises the voices of families as they help their children develop positive social identities, embrace differences, and form meaningful connections. Its companion film, Reflecting on Anti-Bias Education in Action: The Early Years (2021), takes viewers into diverse classrooms, demonstrating teacher reflection on identity, context, and practice. The film earned a Northwest Regional Emmy® nomination for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and won the Silver Prize for Documentary Feature at the Social Justice Film Festival. Shaped by her multicultural experiences and education in communications and film, Filiz brings a heart-centered approach to filmmaking. She holds a Master of Communication in Digital Media, a Master of Arts in Communication Strategies and Public Relations, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cinematography.
