Biography
Abigail E. Disney is an Emmy-winning director and producer, philanthropist, and the CEO and president of Fork Films. A dedicated advocate for peacebuilding, she is deeply committed to promoting women's participation in the public arena. Her films and series address social issues and highlight remarkable individuals who challenge authority.
Raised in a family of filmmakers, Abigail was drawn to documentaries after being inspired by the story of courageous women who employed nonviolent protests and sex strikes to end Liberia's prolonged civil war. Alongside acclaimed filmmaker Gini Reticker, she co-created the widely praised Pray the Devil Back to Hell, credited with bringing attention to Leymah Gbowee’s Nobel Peace Prize-winning efforts in 2011. Together, Abigail and Gini founded Fork Films, recognized for producing and financing high-profile, critically acclaimed documentaries featured on PBS, Netflix, HBO, and other major platforms.
Beyond producing original content, Fork Films provides grants to non-fiction projects that advance peacebuilding, human rights, and social justice, with a special focus on films led by or featuring women. As of June 2017, Fork Films has granted over $4 million to 90 documentaries, including Cameraperson, Trapped, 1971, The Mask You Live In, Citizen Koch, Hot Girls Wanted, The Invisible War, and Sun Come Up. These projects have premiered at prestigious film festivals, earned significant awards, and influenced key social conversations.
In 2009, Abigail established Peace is Loud, a nonprofit organization that encourages action through media and live events, highlighting women leaders engaged in peacebuilding efforts worldwide.
Her directorial debut, The Armor of Light, co-directed with Kathleen Hughes and winner of an Emmy, premiered at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival. The documentary follows Reverend Rob Schenck, an Evangelical minister, and Lucy McBath, mother of a teenage shooting victim, as they explore the question: can one be both pro-gun and pro-life? Peace is Loud spearheaded the outreach and engagement campaign for the film, aiming to reframe the moral, ethical, and theological discussion around gun violence in America. The campaign fostered dialogue with faith leaders and communities nationwide, reaching beyond the documentary audience to engage conservative evangelical influencers.
In 2012, together with Pamela Hogan and Gini Reticker, Abigail created and executive produced the groundbreaking PBS series Women, War, & Peace. This five-part series examined women’s roles in modern conflict as agents of peace and positive change in their communities. The series earned the Overseas Press Club’s Edward R. Murrow Award, a Gracie Award, and a Television Academy Honor. Production is currently underway for its second season.
Abigail has received numerous accolades, including recognition from the International Women’s Media Foundation for her work advancing women’s issues and peace efforts; the IDA’s Amicus Award; The International Advocate for Peace Award from Cardozo Law School; and the Epic Award from The White House Project.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Yale University, a Master’s degree from Stanford University, and a Doctorate from Columbia University. Abigail is a mother of four.
