General chemistry teacher by day, disruptive educator by night, Dr. Daniel Fried takes to Zoom to challenge and inspire kids from across the globe. His goal: to build a new generation of change-makers by teaching advanced biochemistry to gifted young learners frustrated in traditional educational settings. In the shadow of the pandemic, a once-only camp experience brings Dr. Fried’s unique community together in person in the Summer of 2023.
Through the patient and observant lens of award-winning filmmaker David Gaynes, audiences are given a thought-provoking and joyful window into a new frontier: the innovation of methods and structures that are radically reshaping education and learners today. Born out of dire need and modern circumstance, educators and programs of all types seek to nurture bright minds and reshape the world in years to come. Through the specific universe of the Biochemistry Literacy Summer Institute, inspired kids, parents, and educators converge to challenge norms, express their gifts and forge new paths so future generations thrive.
PROJECT UPDATES:
October 2025: Target date for completion of Fine Cut and preliminary submissions to film festivals
* JUNE 30 2025 * Sneak Preview Screening. Request an Invitation.
Spring 2025: Completion of First and Second Rough Cuts, preliminary development of future impact and audience partners
January 2025: Completion of Rough Cut Assembly
September 2024: Editing of First Rough Cut Assembly Begins
Spring 2024: Fundraising for Rough Cut Editing
Fall 2023: Editing and Completion of Sizzle Reel
Summer 2023: Principal filming during Biochemistry Literacy Summer Camp
March 2023: Filmmaker David Gaynes signs on to direct, pre-production begins
DAVID GAYNES, Director
An award-winning and critically praised documentary filmmaker, the work of David Gaynes has been seen around the world in film festivals, television/streaming, and on the big screen. David is known for embracing stories of largely unknown and unheralded protagonists engaged in a struggle to transform themselves or the world around them. Next Year Jerusalem (2014) is distributed by First Run Features and had successful theatrical runs in New York and Los Angeles and was acquired by Netflix.
SUSAN KAYNE, Producer
Susan’s 25-year non-profit marketing career has given her a unique opportunity to tell inspiring stories of people doing good in the world. From human rights and education to global health and aging, she has produced films that tell small stories with big impact. Her video for a coalition of organizations, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, calling for increased political commitment and investment in high quality health care to combat maternal mortality, premiered at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland.
ABOUT DANIEL FRIED, Founder of Biochemistry Literacy for Kids
Dr. Fried is a secondary general chemistry teacher at the Pingry School in New Jersey. A PhD from Yale, Dr. Fried chose to forego a career in academia and biomedical research in favor of attempting to save the world and transform the lives of young people. He applies the teaching pedagogies of art and music to science, believing that science can be taught holistically to young children of all abilities.
Production Credits:
Produced and Directed By: David Gaynes
Director of Photography: David Sampliner
Consulting Producers: Jessica Wolfson, Emily Schuman
Producer: Susan Fried
Co-Producer: Ryan Scatenato
Sound Recording: Ryan Scatenato, Max Mellman
Legal: Sandra Forman
Still Photography: Jacki Dickert
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