The Film

What does a camera from 1902 reveal about women today? Tintype photographer Margaret Muza shows what happens when you remove filters, Photoshop and assumptions to really see the beauty of a single perfectly imperfect moment.

During two days of portraits and intense interviews, a group of Milwaukee women leaders reveal more than expected — their challenges, inspirations, stumbles and victories — and their hopes for those women who follow in their footsteps.

The first woman to open a bank in Wisconsin. A Black woman changing the face of Milwaukee marketing. A trailblazing lawyer who stepped away from Big Law. These women and others reveal what it takes to lead in their careers and in our communities — and why it’s so important for more women to lead today.

We have been honored to share Direct Positive with film festival audiences nationwide, and proud to be awarded Best Documentary at the San Francisco Documentary Festival!

Direct Positive has also been recognized by our industry peers with multiple award honors — and it’s a big deal to us to be honored by some of the best minds in the business.

GOLD

Best Purpose-Led Initiative

SILVER

Best Use of Creative

GOLD

Emotion in Action

GOLD

ProBono Campaigns

And that’s just the beginning…

Working with TEMPO, we’ve sparked a lot of great conversations, by sharing Direct Positive as part of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs at companies nationally and globally. Interested in sharing Direct Positive at your company? Visit TempoMilwaukee.org to learn how.

About

Direct Positive is born of a partnership between Bader Rutter, a Milwaukee-based advertising and marketing agency, and TEMPO, a membership organization dedicated to furthering the impact of women leaders. When the two organizations began working together, the goal was simply to refresh and build on the legacy of the TEMPO organization — to rebrand a long-standing organization for a new era.

But as they worked together, a bigger story emerged. Experiences demanded to be shared. TEMPO’s dedication to mentorship merged with Bader Rutter’s passion for sharing Milwaukee’s best stories. Direct Positive became our mutual passion project.

We are grateful to the many women who shared their stories, and to everyone who generously shared their time, resources and talents with us to bring Direct Positive to light.

Behind the Scenes

Crew

Sarah Kmet-Hunt

Executive Creative Director, Writer

Kate Martin

Associate Creative Director, Writer

Margaret Muza

Tintype Artist

Jessica Ayala

Director

Gina Tomilonus

Art Director

Linda Hogan

Producer

Jen Dirks

Producer

Andy Gorzalski

Executive Producer

For press inquiries or to arrange a screening of Direct Positive, click the button at right to contact us.

Future public screenings and opportunities to see the tintype portraits Margaret Muza created during filming will be posted as dates become available.

Contact Our Team