Julia’s Stepping Stones doc: A Heartfelt Tribute to Julia Reichert’s Life & Legacy

Netflix's Julia's Stepping Stones has been making waves, and a newly released teaser offers a glimpse into the profound legacy of Academy and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Julia Reichert. Known for her commitment to social justice and storytelling, Reichert’s influence spans decades, and this documentary promises an intimate look at her life and career.

The latest news has fans buzzing as the film highlights her personal journey and collaboration with her husband, Steve Bognar, in a tribute to their shared creative vision. Whether you're a documentary enthusiast or new to Reichert's work, there's a lot to discover in this poignant project.

Get ready for an in-depth look at everything you need to know about Julia's Stepping Stones—from its heartfelt narrative to behind-the-scenes insights. Stay tuned, as we'll keep this page updated with fresh details and surprises as they emerge!

Release date & Where to Watch

Julia's Stepping Stones will debut on Netflix starting Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. The film, rated PG for thematic elements, smoking, and mild suggestive material, first premiered in April at the Full Frame Film Festival. It represents the final collaboration between the acclaimed filmmaking duo Julia Reichert and Steve Bognar.

What is the plot of Julia's Stepping Stones?

Julia’s Stepping Stones is a deeply personal documentary that chronicles the life and legacy of Julia Reichert, a trailblazing filmmaker and activist. Directed and completed by her husband, Steve Bognar, following her passing in December 2022, the film presents Reichert's journey in her own words. 

It highlights her transformation from a working-class youth with big dreams to a celebrated documentary filmmaker who amplified the voices of marginalized communities.

Reichert's narrative is interwoven with archival photos and film clips, bringing to life her passion for storytelling and social justice. The documentary delves into her early interest in radio, her activism in the women’s movement, and her groundbreaking work on films like Growing Up Female (1971). 

Through heartfelt recollections, Reichert reflects on the experiences and values that shaped her career, offering viewers an intimate portrait of her vibrant curiosity and unwavering commitment to championing the stories of others.

Is There a Trailer for Julia's Stepping Stones?

The teaser for Julia's Stepping Stones offers an intimate glimpse into the life and legacy of Julia Reichert, a trailblazing documentary filmmaker. The teaser highlights Reichert’s personal reflections on her journey, blending archival footage and her own words to narrate her evolution as a filmmaker. With a focus on her artistic process and dedication to social justice, the teaser paints a heartfelt picture of a life committed to storytelling and activism.

Who was Julia Reichert?

Julia Bell Reichert was an influential American feminist, activist, and documentary filmmaker celebrated for her groundbreaking work over five decades. A co-founder of New Day Films, a distribution cooperative for social justice films, Reichert earned an Academy Award for her work and was widely recognized for her contributions to the documentary genre.

Her famous works include, 1977’s Union Maids and 2020’s American Factory, the latter earned her the Oscar. Apart from an Academy Award, she also has two Primetime Emmys. Her films are also present in the National Film Registry. She was honored with lifetime achievement award from the International Documentary Association, among others. 

Her life was marked by resilience—she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2006 and later with urothelial cancer in 2018. Despite her health challenges, Reichert continued to create impactful films until her passing on December 1, 2022, at her home in Yellow Springs, Ohio, at the age of 76.

Behind the Scenes

The documentary Julia's Stepping Stones began as a deeply personal project by the late filmmaker Julia Reichert to document her life story in her own voice. Although she passed away in 2022 before its completion, her husband and collaborator, Steve Bognar, finalized and edited the film. 

Bognar, who shared Oscar and Emmy honors with Reichert for American Factory, crafted Julia’s Stepping Stones using Reichert’s recorded reflections on her journey to becoming a filmmaker, offering a heartfelt tribute to her legacy.