We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Susan Morgan Cooper. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Susan below.
Alright, Susan thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
My film to the Moon and Back shows how Bill Browder, an American born financier and political activist, lobbies Congress to pass the Magnitsky Act …sanctioning Russians guilty of human rights abuse. This Act infuriates Putin who retaliates against the U.S. by passing the Russian Adoption Ban . Americans would never again be allowed to adopt Russian orphans. Worse… Putin blamed the ban on Miles Harrison , an innocent father from Virginia whose adopted Russian baby had died of heatstroke after Miles had left him unknowingly behind in a car.. Because of the ban, over 300 orphans were held hostage by Putin after their American adoptive parents had met them and promised to return to Russia to bring them home to the U.S. Thousands of orphans would now languish in institutions with no hope of ever being in a family. I knew I had to shed light on this grave injustice.
I ,along with two amazing young women; my D.P. Quyen Tran, and my young daughter ,photographer Alex Cooper ,traveled to Russia to film under the radar. Was I scared? Absolutely terrified! But the courage of everyone involved inspired me.. Bill Browder, high on Putin’s enemy list, lives in constant fear for his life. Miles Harrison was unbelievably heroic to relive his heartbreaking tragedy on film to help bring about change. Parents ,like Pam Romano and Katrina Morris who fought relentlessly to give their Russian orphans love and a family.The bravery of Jessica Long, the Russian adoptee and 29x Paralympic medalist who narrated my film.
To the Moon and Back had a Congressional Screening and as a result helped pass the Inter Country Adoption Law mandating more accountability and transparency among adopting countries. .
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Documentaries have an enormous power to bring about change in the law, in the lives of their subjects, and in the lives of the audience watching them. I am most proud of the fact that I have taken on difficult ,obscure projects and through those films,I believe I have made a difference.
Mirjana ,my first documentary ,helped save a young Croatian girl’s life. After her mother died during the Balkan War, Mirjana was sent to live in the U.S. with distant relatives. She did not speak the language , was overweight and could not assimilate into an American high school. Clinically depressed… she contemplated suicide. Not having previous knowledge of cameras or sound equipment, I went with Mirjana back to Croatia and filmed during the fighting. That experience drastically changed her life .Today she is successful, happily married with two boys and living in Wyoming..
To the Moon and Back saved Miles Harrison …who could not live with the guilt of having caused the heatstroke death of his own baby boy. By reliving his tragedy and advocating for change, Miles has helped pass the HOTCARS Act mandating alarms in all cars to warn parents when a child is accidentally left behind.
Fatal Distraction helped persuade the Supreme Court to overturn the murder charge of Ross Harris an innocent father in Georgia who was sentenced to life without parole in the heatstroke death of his toddler son. It also helped pass the HOTCARS Act mandating alarms in all cars warning parents of a child left behind
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
When I lecture at universities, I tell students that making documentaries is the fastest route to poverty I know. I threw a fundraiser at a dive bar called Vivas ,hired a band and served food , charging people a donation. The generosity of friends and family allowed me to make an important film in Russia. I have rented out my house at times to finish financing a documentary. It’s tough, packing up and relocating. I remember one winter walking through the neighborhood of my temporary apartment and staring into homes with fireplaces longing to be back in my cozy home. It was a big sacrifice …but the end results are so gratifying.
How many times I have had Vietnam vets tear up and thank me for making ‘An Unlikely Weapon’ about Eddie Adams the Pulitzer prize winning war photographer. In one screening, a blind man in the audience stood up and said, This is the best film I have ever seen’ I ran down from the podium to hug him.
In Mulberry Child screenings young Chinese Americans thanked me profusely for making them appreciate the sacrifices their immigrant parents had made to give them a better life .
In To the Moon and Back screenings I saw Miles Harrison’s relief when countless strangers hugged him sincerely and thanked him for his courage in reliving the tragedy of leaving his toddler behind in a car.
In the reviews of Fatal Distraction I was so humbled when Ross Harris’s defense lawyer a man who has my utmost respect, said, ‘In Fatal Distraction, Susan Morgan Cooper was able to do what I failed to do, and that is prove Ross Harris’s innocence’
Bottom line: I could make a lot more money making documentaries about celebrities ….but the ordinary people I have met whose lives I’ve changed and whose lives have changed mine …are priceless.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
When I started my career , like all aspiring film makers, I wanted accolades , peer acceptance and money.Lots of it!! I tried to think of commercial ideas and projects that would give me those things. Meanwhile ,Jayne, a friend of mine who is a healer said to me one day. ‘Only make films from your heart for they will bring you true happiness.’ Truthfully, from that day on, I have committed to sincerely helping others through my films. Because I come from a pure place … things magically happen. Interviews with famous, busy people are granted easily because it’s obvious that I am genuine. I believe firmly that if you have honest intentions… anything and everything is possible! Envision your goals … never ever doubting yourself. That unwavering belief will carry you along any path you are taking. .
Contact Info:
- Website: susanmorgancooper.com
- Instagram: susan_ morgan cooper
- Facebook: Susan Morgan Cooper
Image Credits
Alexandra Cooper