Independent film producer and advocate Maida Lynn and 1985 Capital General Partner Matthew Rodriguez bring innovative approaches to supporting filmmakers, building creative communities, and forging new connections across documentary film, media, technology, investment, and nonprofit leadership

Brooklyn, N.Y. — September 1, 2026 — American Documentary, (AmDoc), the nonprofit organization behind the multi-Emmy® and Peabody Award-winning series POV, POV Shorts and America ReFramed, announced today that independent film producer and advocate Maida Lynn and Matthew Rodriguez, General Partner at 1985 Capital, have joined its Board of Directors.

Lynn and Rodriguez bring complementary perspectives on strengthening the ecosystem around independent nonfiction storytelling. Their combined experience supporting filmmakers, building creative communities, and forging connections across media, technology, business strategy, and investment strengthens AmDoc’s ability to champion storytellers with a wide range of perspectives and broaden the reach and impact of their work.

“Maida and Matthew share our belief that independent storytelling is essential to an informed and engaged public,” said Erika Dilday, Executive Director of American Documentary and Executive Producer of POV and America ReFramed. “Maida is a steadfast advocate for artists and understands what filmmakers need to sustain ambitious, independent work. Matthew is a gifted connector and strategic thinker who sees opportunities across industries that others often miss. Their insight, curiosity, and commitment will be tremendous assets to AmDoc, as we continue to expand the reach and impact of our work. We are delighted to welcome them to the board.”

“I joined the American Documentary board because its commitment to centering diverse nonfiction storytellers, activating communities, and using public media to advance a more just and equitable America aligns deeply with my values and my work in film,” said Maida Lynn. “I am honored to be part of this vital organization and to contribute meaningfully to its exciting future.”

“As a devotee of documentary films, I find it truly humbling to be joining the AmDoc board, an organization dedicated to supporting bold, independent storytellers,” said Matthew Rodriguez. “I look forward to helping open doors and building bridges across industries for the next generation of filmmakers.”

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Maida Lynn

Maida Lynn has championed independent cinema for more than a decade. Through Facet, formerly Genuine Article Pictures, she executive produced more than 25 documentary shorts and feature films that premiered at leading festivals. She has supported work by artists including Sam Green, Brett Story, Patrick Bresnan and Ivete Lucas, Alison O’Daniel, and others.

In partnership with Rebecca Green, Lynn co-founded and co-led the Dear Producer Award, which provided unrestricted grants and a year-long cohort program for independent fiction and documentary producers. She also co-chaired the Board of Directors of San Francisco’s Roxie Theater, helping guide the organization through a successful capital campaign and the purchase of its building in 2025.

Lynn currently serves on the board of Mezzanine in Los Angeles and shares her perspective on the independent cinema ecosystem through The Backlight.

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Matthew Rodriguez

Matthew Rodriguez is the founder and General Partner of 1985 Capital, an executive network, investment, and advisory platform operating across technology, media, entertainment, and finance. He convenes senior leaders through curated gatherings designed to foster knowledge-sharing and partnership opportunities and supports storytellers and entertainment companies through consulting and executive producer roles. 1985 Capital also makes selective early-stage technology investments.

Before founding 1985 Capital, Rodriguez held global business marketing leadership roles at Meta and Twitter, following earlier experience at Viacom, SundanceTV, and several start-ups. He also serves on the Advisory Council for Brown University’s Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship.

Born in South Korea and raised in Alaska, Rodriguez is a graduate of Brown University and pursued graduate studies at Columbia University. He lives in New York City with his family.

Maida Lynn and Matthew Rodriguez join a board that includes Chris Plaut (Chair), John Bredar, Jane Hirt, Juanita Anderson, John Abbott, Mark G. Contreras, Duke Fan, Anjali Kumar, Kellie Castruita Specter, and Beth Viner. The board plays a key role in advancing AmDoc’s mission to harness the power of independent documentary filmmaking to spark dialogue, connect communities, and deepen public understanding of the issues shaping our world.

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