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"Light and Shadows" Recap by Anthony Pascale
"Like season one, the middle of the second season is seeing some strong episodes with “Light and Shadows” as a prime example. Writers Ted Sullivan and Vaun Wilmott ably dive into Trek lore and make some more along the way. First-time Discovery director Marta Cunningham puts it together in a tight package with character development at the core, surrounded by a fun sci-fi action wrapper. Along with strong performances from guest stars both familiar and new, Sonequa Martin-Green carries this emotional homecoming that was worth the wait."
Marta Cunningham & "Valentine Road" receive News and Documentary Emmy Award Nominations
July 2014
Marta Cunningham and "Valentine Road" were nominated for 2 News and Documentary Emmy Awards. "Valentine Road" was nominated for Best Documentary and Outstanding Coverage of a News Story - Long Form.
16 Black Women Directors Who Are Killing It Behind The Scenes Of TV
In December of 2016, Marta was nominated for a NAACP Image Award in the category of Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series for her direction on the episode "Exciting and New" on Amazon's "Transparent".
2016 NAACP Image Award Nominations
Vulture: Transparent Season Finale Recap: To Shell and Back
"The final episode of Transparent’s third season is a nice capper, particularly for Maura and the long-awaited breakdown between Josh and Ali. But make no mistake: “Exciting and New” belongs to the glorious, hilarious, and heartbreaking Shelly Pfefferman.
Light delivers an outstanding performance, shading in all of the classic Shelly tones while defining a character who is ridiculous and courageous in equal measures."
‘Transparent’ Season 3: Watched It All? Let’s Talk by Judy Berman
"Now that we’ve watched the third season of “Transparent” — and sobbed over Shelly’s cabaret rendition of Alanis Morissette’s “Hand in My Pocket” from the finale — it’s time to take stock of yet another season of the Pfeffermans’ ceaseless navel-gazing."
The Constrained Elegance of Room 104
Some loving words on Marta's episode of the HBO series Room 104, "My Love" , in The New Republic article written by Rachel Sym.
While other installments of the show are not as jarring or propulsive as the micro-horror stories, I found myself admiring the show for taking big, sentimental swings around the room. “My Love” stars Philip Baker Hall and Ellen Geer as a couple in their eighties trying to rekindle their youthful passion, and it is poignant to watch octogenarians fumble with their bodies like hungry teenagers. The episode is directed with a deep tenderness by Marta Cunningham, who made the heartbreaking HBO documentary Valentine Road about a murdered transgender teenager.
Marta Cunningham participates in discussion for Ford Foundation's Just Films
"Valentine Road" coming to DVD & iTunes June 3rd
May 2014
"Valentine Road" will be available on DVD and iTunes June 3rd. Click the link below to order via Amazon.com.
Is "Valentine Road" One of the Best Documentaries Ever Made?
Alice Lytton, March 2014
"Cunningham achieves such a subtle, sucker-punch of a film by drawing together the tenacity of an investigative journalist with the narrative sensibilities of the finest noveleists. [...] 'Valentine Road' announces Cunningham as a singular talent. It is exhilarating to consider what she might bring us next."
Marta attends a panel discussion at GLSEN's DC Office
GLAAD Media Awards Nomination for "Valentine Road"
"Valentine Road" is one of five documentaries nominated for Outstanding Documentary at the 25th Annual GLAAD Media Awards.
Sundance Institute Announces New 'FilmTwo' Initiative to Support Second-Time Feature Filmmakers
In May of 2016 Marta was selected to participate in the Film Two Initiative Program. Sundance has significanty expanded its signature artist development programs to include support for second-time film makers. The program will be led by the Institute's renowned Feature Film Program, with the support from Founding Partner NBC Universal.