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Nicholas Ma
Nicholas Ma
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Nicholas Ma (born circa 1983) is a film director and producer who is best known for producing the 2018 award-winning documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor?.[1]

Key Information

He was born around 1983 to Yo-Yo Ma and Jill Hornor.[1][2][3] He has one sibling, Emily Ma who was born around 1985.[2][3] Nicholas Ma attended Harvard University and graduated in 2005.[4] He went on to work at the McKinsey & Company at both their New York City and Shanghai locations. He also worked with Senator John Kerry on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee focusing on global economic policy.[5] In 2013, he left McKinsey & Company.[6] He later went back to school and attended New York University Tisch School of the Arts and received a Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television in 2017.[6][7] Ma, alongside Morgan Neville and Caryn Capotosto, produced Morgan Neville's 2018 award-winning documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor?.[1][8] Ma and Neville had interacted before on Neville's 2015 documentary The Music of Strangers, which was about the Silk Road Ensemble formed by Ma's father.[9]

In 2019, Ma's 15 minute documentary short SUITE NO. 1, PRELUDE was shown at DOCNYC, which focused on his father's re-recording of the first cello piece he learned.[10][11] Also in 2019, Ma's first feature film Mabel won the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation award of $100,000 and was also supported by the Tribeca Film Institutes' Sloan Filmmaker Fund.[11][12] Mabel focuses on a young child's friendship with a potted plant and her teacher who introduced her to botany.[11] Mabel was co-written with Joy Goodwin.[11] Actors such as Christine Ko, Judy Greer, and Lexi Perkel are all slated to star in Mabel.[13][14] In 2022, Ma worked with Alison Klayman on the documentary Unfinished Business, which focused on the New York Liberty women's basketball team and the WNBA.[15][16] Unfinished Business was shown at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival.[16]

References

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from Grokipedia
Nicholas Ma (born c. 1983) is an American filmmaker, director, producer, and writer, best known as the son of renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and for his documentary work exploring themes of empathy, reconciliation, and cultural dialogue. Ma gained prominence as a producer on the 2018 documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor?, which chronicles the life and philosophy of Fred Rogers, earning him recognition including the Producers Guild of America Award for Outstanding Producer of Documentary Theatrical Motion Pictures and an Independent Spirit Award for Best Documentary. His directorial debut feature, Leap of Faith (2024), follows twelve Christian leaders from diverse racial and denominational backgrounds as they confront racial divisions in Grand Rapids, Michigan, following the 2022 police shooting of Patrick Lyoya, highlighting efforts at interracial dialogue and forgiveness within evangelical communities. A graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts Graduate Film program, Ma has also produced other documentaries such as the WNBA-focused Unfinished Business and contributed to short films like Mabel (2024), with his projects premiering at festivals including Sundance and . As president of Ernest Lyford LLC, a , Ma continues to focus on narratives that bridge societal divides through personal stories and institutional reflection.

Early life and education

Family background and upbringing

Nicholas Ma was born circa 1983 to cellist and Jill Hornor, an arts consultant whom married in 1978. He has one , a younger sister named born around 1985. The Ma family resided primarily in the United States, with establishing a prominent career in after early performances and education in New York City. Jill Hornor contributed to the household's artistic milieu through her work in the arts sector, while the family as a whole engaged deeply with music—Nicholas's parents and sister all pursued musical activities. During his early years, Ma experienced public exposure through television, appearing twice on the children's program alongside his father, who performed cello segments. This reflected the family's integration of performance and media into daily life, shaped by Yo-Yo Ma's international touring schedule and commitment to cultural outreach.

Academic training

Nicholas Ma graduated from in 2005. After working in consulting, including at , Ma returned to academia to pursue filmmaking. He enrolled in the graduate film program at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, earning a in film. As a Tisch student, Ma produced the documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018), which became one of the highest-grossing biographical documentaries of its time. He also directed the Mabel (2019), recipient of the Feature Film Award for its exploration of plant science.

Career

Entry into filmmaking

Nicholas Ma transitioned into filmmaking after approximately a decade in business consulting and public policy. A graduate of , he began his professional career at , where he advised corporations, cities, and governments from offices in New York and . He later joined the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee staff under Chairman , contributing to efforts on global economic policy, including recapitalization of the and World Bank as well as design of cap-and-trade legislation. Motivated by a desire for creative pursuits, Ma enrolled in the Master of Fine Arts program at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts around 2015, specializing in graduate film with an emphasis on documentary production. This formal training represented his deliberate entry into the industry, shifting from analytical policy work to narrative-driven visual storytelling. As a Tisch , Ma secured fellowships from DOC NYC and Film Independent, which provided resources and networks for emerging documentarians. These opportunities facilitated his initial producing credits and collaborations, including onscreen appearances in prior documentaries like The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble (2015), directed by , though his behind-the-camera role solidified during graduate studies.

Production of Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018)

Nicholas Ma co-produced Won't You Be My Neighbor?, a documentary directed by Morgan Neville exploring the life and philosophy of Fred Rogers, alongside producers Caryn Capotosto and Neville. The project developed prior to the 2016 U.S. presidential election, with Ma and Neville aiming to showcase Rogers' timeless emphasis on empathy and community amid contemporary cultural divides. Ma's involvement stemmed from his personal history with Rogers, having appeared twice as a child on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood alongside his father, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, which informed his appreciation for Rogers' patient approach to engaging young audiences. Following a pitch at the , the film secured full funding, enabling production to accelerate rapidly—"thrust into production almost instantaneously," as Ma described. This swift timeline facilitated the assembly of archival material from over 900 episodes of Rogers' series, supplemented by new interviews with family members, collaborators like composer Johnny Costa, and public figures such as musician , who reflected on Rogers' influence. Ma's prior onscreen collaboration with Neville in the 2015 documentary The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Ensemble strengthened their partnership, emphasizing a collaborative process that prioritized Rogers' authentic voice through existing footage rather than reenactments. The production, handled by Productions in association with Impact Partners, culminated in the film's world premiere at the on January 19, followed by a on June 8, 2018. No major production challenges were publicly detailed, though the reliance on archival assets underscored the documentary's focus on historical fidelity over new primary filming.

Other producing credits

Ma produced the documentary Unfinished Business (2022), directed by Alison Klayman, which examines the formation, labor disputes, and cultural significance of the (WNBA) over its first 25 years. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 12, 2022, featuring interviews with WNBA pioneers, players, and executives, and highlighting issues such as low salaries, inadequate facilities, and the league's path to financial stability amid the NBA's dominance. Ma collaborated with producers including Julie Goldman, Carolyn Hepburn, Christopher Clements, and Mishka Brown, contributing to archival research and narrative development in this Motto Pictures production. Additional producing involvement includes upcoming projects like (2024), a narrative feature where Ma also directed, focusing on themes of isolation and companionship through the story of a whose closest relationship is with her houseplant. However, details on completed non-directorial producing roles beyond Unfinished Business remain limited in public records as of 2024.

Directorial work including (2024)

Nicholas Ma transitioned from producing to directing with the narrative feature (2024), his debut in that capacity, which premiered at the . The film follows biracial sixth-grader Callie, who relocates to a new town and navigates social challenges through her passion for and , including a potted plant named that serves as her confidante. Co-written with Joy Goodwin, explores themes of isolation, friendship, and scientific curiosity, earning praise for its sensitive portrayal of a child's perspective and strong ensemble cast including . The script had previously received the NYU Sloan Prize and Film Institute Sloan Prize for its integration of plant science. In the same year, Ma directed the documentary Leap of Faith (2024), which chronicles a year-long series of retreats organized by The Colossian Forum in , involving 12 diverse Christian leaders—spanning differences in theology, politics, race, and views on issues like sexuality. The film captures their efforts to foster dialogue and fellowship amid societal polarization, emphasizing mutual belonging despite disagreements on contentious topics. Produced by and others, it premiered at the Heartland International Film Festival and expanded to select theaters nationwide starting , 2024, distributed by Picturehouse. Ma drew on , filming unscripted interactions to highlight raw vulnerability and the challenges of in a "meaner" cultural climate, as noted by participants. The documentary received a 7.6/10 rating on from early viewers and positive festival reception for its visual boldness and exploration of faith-based unity.

Films and projects

Key documentaries produced

Nicholas Ma served as a producer on the 2018 documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor?, directed by , which examines the life and cultural influence of television host . The film premiered at the on January 19, 2018, and achieved commercial success, grossing over $22 million worldwide and ranking as the highest-grossing biographical documentary upon release. In 2022, Ma produced Unfinished Business, directed by Alison Klayman, focusing on the history and ongoing challenges of the (WNBA). The documentary premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and highlights the league's growth amid issues like player pay equity and media coverage. Ma also produced his own directorial documentary (2024), which follows 12 Christian leaders engaging in dialogues on divisive topics such as and during retreats organized by The Colossian Forum. The film premiered in select theaters in October 2024 after acquisition by Picturehouse for distribution.

Themes and stylistic approaches

Ma's documentaries recurrently probe the resilience of human connection amid ideological fragmentation, emphasizing , , and as mechanisms for transcendence. In the 2018 production Won't You Be My Neighbor?, themes center on ' advocacy for emotional literacy and nonjudgmental kindness, portraying his television work as a deliberate counter to cultural cynicism through simple, sincere interactions that model and . The film underscores Rogers' resistance to , favoring quiet persistence in promoting neighborly bonds over performative outrage. This motif recurs in Leap of Faith (2024), where Ma directs a chronicle of twelve ideologically diverse Christian pastors convening over a year in , to grapple with flashpoints including sexuality, gay marriage, policing, , immigration, poverty, and . The narrative frames not as doctrinal rigidity but as a universal impetus for communal belonging, positing that sustained, honest exchange can yield hope and discipleship even absent consensus, with love supplanting mere tolerance as the operative ethic. Stylistically, Ma favors techniques to foreground unmediated authenticity, eschewing overt narration or editorializing to permit subjects' evolutions to unfold organically. In , direct-to-camera dialogues and rigorous post-production layering—distilling hours of retreats into terse, multifaceted vignettes—evoke the deliberative tension of real-time negotiation, guided by collaborator Morgan Neville's emphasis on viewer agency in interpretation. For Won't You Be My Neighbor?, archival integrations such as Rogers' piano improvisations from 1967, interwoven with sentimental interviews from family like and figures including , alongside subtle visuals like animated puppets and train panoramas, employ musical and metaphorical restraint to mirror the subject's philosophical temperance. Across projects, this approach yields intimate, non-prescriptive portraits that prioritize relational process over resolution, aligning form with content's advocacy for patient discourse.

Collaborations

Nicholas Ma's most significant filmmaking collaboration has been with Academy Award-winning director and producer . Their partnership originated with Ma's onscreen appearance in Neville's 2015 documentary The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble, which featured Ma alongside his father, cellist , and explored the ensemble's global musical initiatives. This led to their co-production of the 2018 documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor?, directed by Neville, where Ma contributed as a producer, drawing on personal childhood connections to from appearances on . Their collaboration extended to (2024), with Ma directing and Neville serving as producer; Neville provided guidance on techniques and direct-to-camera elements during editing. For , Ma partnered with Michael Gulker, president of The Colossian Forum, a Christian organization focused on conflict transformation; Gulker initiated the project's concept by convening 12 diverse pastors for retreats in , addressing divisive issues like politics and theology while emphasizing fellowship. The film's editor, Tamara Maloney, collaborated closely with Ma to condense over a year of footage into structured narratives, refining the writing process in . In other projects, Ma produced Unfinished Business (2022), a documentary on the WNBA directed by Alison Klayman, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. He also co-wrote the Mabel (2024) with Joy Goodwin, earning the Sloan Prize at the for its portrayal of a young girl's scientific curiosity. contributed non-directorial support to through musical performances and joint public discussions, aligning with themes of connection amid division.

Reception and controversies

Critical acclaim and box office performance

Nicholas Ma's production of the 2018 documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor?, directed by , received widespread critical acclaim for its heartfelt exploration of ' life and legacy, earning rave reviews following its premiere. Critics praised its emotional depth and archival footage, contributing to strong audience reception despite an snub in the documentary category. The film achieved commercial success, grossing $22,835,787 domestically, making it one of the highest-grossing biographical documentaries of its time and outperforming contemporaries like RBG. Its performance was bolstered by word-of-mouth and a wide theatrical release, crossing $20 million in indie box office earnings. Ma's directorial debut (2024), which follows Christian leaders navigating divisive issues through dialogue, has garnered positive early reception in limited release, with an IMDb user rating of 7.6/10 based on initial viewings. Reviews highlighted its provocative approach to polarization and visual boldness, drawing comparisons to Ma's prior work on Rogers. However, as a niche , it has seen modest results, opening to $33,658 across a small number of theaters and totaling $39,083 domestically to date. Sold-out festival screenings indicate potential for cult appeal among faith-based audiences, though broader critical aggregation remains limited. Overall, Ma's documentaries demonstrate a pattern of critical favor in specialized genres, with Won't You Be My Neighbor? standing out for its rare mainstream breakthrough among films, while newer projects like prioritize thematic depth over commercial scale.

Criticisms and debates

Some reviewers of Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018), which Ma produced, have criticized the film for its largely uncritical portrayal of , describing it as hagiographic and akin to "" that shies away from deeper scrutiny of his legacy or potential flaws. This approach, while praised by many for its affirming tone amid cultural polarization, disappointed those expecting more analytical depth on Rogers' methods or the societal critiques he faced, such as accusations of fostering emotional fragility in children. Ma's directorial debut Leap of Faith (2024), which follows 12 ideologically diverse Christian leaders attempting to build fellowship amid disagreements on issues like politics, race, and sexuality, has sparked debates over the viability and desirability of such unity efforts. The film documents participants grappling with topics including , where discussions often stalled without resolution, highlighting tensions between maintaining relationships and upholding doctrinal convictions. One critique posits that the documentary's focus on interpersonal harmony sidesteps deeper interrogation of conservative views on , framing unity as an end in itself without addressing whether on core beliefs—particularly those perceived as rooted in homophobia—is feasible or ethically necessary from progressive standpoints. Proponents of the film's method, inspired by the Colossian Forum's model, counter that genuine fosters mutual understanding absent forced consensus, even if full agreement remains elusive.

Public and cultural impact

Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018), produced by Nicholas Ma, resonated culturally by reintroducing ' emphasis on empathy and interpersonal kindness to broad audiences during a period of heightened social division. The film, which premiered at the and earned over $22 million in revenue, became the highest-grossing biographical to date, surpassing previous records and sparking public discourse on the relevance of Rogers' teachings in modern society. Reviewers and commentators noted its role in prompting viewers to assess whether aligns with Rogers' vision of neighborly goodwill, with the documentary's archival footage and interviews amplifying calls for civility in public life. Ma's directorial work in Leap of Faith (2024) has contributed to ongoing conversations about reconciliation across theological, racial, and political differences within Christian circles. The film documents a year-long series of retreats involving 12 pastors from diverse backgrounds in , organized by the Colossian Forum, where participants confronted polarizing topics such as and election-year tensions while seeking common ground. Screenings at venues like the Heartland International Film Festival and University's SNF Agora Institute have positioned it as a in constructive , with observers highlighting its depiction of vulnerability and mutual respect as a model for amid cultural fragmentation. These projects collectively underscore Ma's influence in promoting narratives of human connection over division, influencing educational and community initiatives focused on empathy-building. For instance, has been linked to broader efforts in fostering interdenominational understanding, as evidenced by its reception in outlets emphasizing practical approaches to disagreement without estrangement. While not without critiques for idealizing processes, the films' emphasis on relational realism has encouraged audiences to prioritize shared humanity in polarized contexts.

Awards and recognition

Major awards won

Nicholas Ma received the Film Independent Spirit Award for Best Documentary as a producer on the 2018 film Won't You Be My Neighbor?, presented on February 23, 2019, in recognition of its outstanding achievement in filmmaking. The same production earned a for Feature Films in 2019, honoring media that affirms the highest values of the human spirit. Additionally, Won't You Be My Neighbor? secured the Audience Award at the 28th Annual on November 26, 2018, reflecting strong public reception among enthusiasts. These accolades highlight Ma's contributions to production emphasizing empathetic .

Nominations and honors

For his role as producer on the documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018), Nicholas Ma was nominated for the Gotham Independent Film Award for Best Documentary at the 28th Annual Gotham Awards in 2018. Ma also received a nomination for the Cinema Eye Honors Award for Outstanding Achievement in Nonfiction Storytelling in 2019 for the same film. In recognition of his screenplay for the feature film Mabel, which explores themes in plant biology and , Ma was selected as the recipient of the Feature Film Award at NYU Tisch School of the Arts in 2019, receiving development funding for projects integrating and .

Personal life and views

Residence and background

Nicholas Ma is the son of renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and his wife, Jill Hornor, growing up immersed in a family environment centered on music and the arts in . His father's international career as a performer and educator exposed Ma to diverse cultural influences from an early age, though he initially pursued paths outside of music. Ma graduated from Harvard College and later obtained a Master of Fine Arts from New York University Tisch School of the Arts, marking his transition toward filmmaking. Early in his professional life, he worked in business consulting, including stints at McKinsey & Company in New York and Shanghai, before shifting to production and directing. He resides in Brooklyn, New York, with his husband, and as of late 2024, the couple anticipated the arrival of their first child, a daughter. This base in New York aligns with his career in independent film, facilitating collaborations in the city's vibrant creative scene.

Social and political perspectives

Nicholas Ma's documentaries reflect a commitment to fostering dialogue and community amid social and ideological divisions. In (2024), he documents 12 Christian pastors in , from varied theological, racial, and political backgrounds, examining whether friendship can bridge differences on topics including sexuality, race, and partisanship. Ma describes the film's approach as agenda-free exploration, posing the question: "Can we all belong to each other or are some differences too great?" rather than seeking resolution. Ma views as a unifying force that broadens perspectives, countering perceptions of it as exclusionary. He has articulated that " but it’s universal... there's a way we think of as something that narrows us... as opposed to something that broadens us." This stance informs his emphasis on simple relational practices—such as shared meals and listening—as pathways to mutual respect, even when convictions clash. He maintains that prioritizing relationships over doctrinal or political alignment enables unforeseen possibilities, stating, "In choosing relationships first, they're making something else possible." On , Ma perceives divides as partly illusory, requiring to overcome. He advocates a "leap of faith" to perceive others authentically, noting that of neighbor may not alter beliefs but sustains bonds: "All we have is our little faith broken and shared. We can't know whether it's enough." Influenced by ' ethos of neighborliness, Ma highlights persistence's rewards, observing, "There is something on the other side of hanging in there that is beautiful," amid post-2020 U.S. tensions. His work avoids partisan endorsement, prioritizing reconciliation through sustained engagement over ideological conformity.

References

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