Filmmaker Sam Henderson Discusses Gun Violence and School Safety in Oscar-Shortlisted Short Film “Ado”
As of December 2025, the United States has witnessed approximately 75 school shootings, according to an analysis by CNN from sources including Gun Violence Archive, Education Week, and Everytown for Gun Safety. Among these incidents, 43 occurred on college campuses and 32 on K-12 school grounds. The ongoing threat of injury or death has prompted increased activism from educators and students, alongside a notable increase in teachers leaving the profession.
In response to this escalating crisis, filmmaker Sam Henderson has released Ado, a poignant examination of gun violence in America. Drawing from his and his mother’s experiences as educators in Texas following the Uvalde shooting, the film presents a gripping narrative through the perspective of a dedicated teacher, portrayed by Jenifer Lewis. Set during a rehearsal for Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, the story takes a dramatic turn when a former student enters with a weapon. The film has received accolades from the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, American Black Film Festival, the BronzeLens Film Festival in Atlanta, and the Cleveland International Film Festival.
DEADLINE: There are many ways to cover the topic of school shootings. Why did you decide to settle on the teacher’s perspective?
SAM HENDERSON: The idea came from a conversation with my mom, who teaches middle school theater. The character of Ms. Hopkins is inspired by her. Living in Texas, the Uvalde tragedy felt particularly close to home. My mom expressed that her only chance of survival would be if the shooter was familiar with her or in her class. That moment sparked the idea to create a film from her perspective, which is often overlooked in discussions about school shootings. I aimed to address the issue without merely presenting a political message.
DEADLINE: You have teenage kids. Did you get their input on the situation?
HENDERSON: Yes, my children, aged 16 and 14, were involved. My daughter, Karis Henderson, plays Maddie in the film. I asked them about school safety protocols, which felt surreal. Growing up, we only had fire or nuclear drills, but now this culture of active shooter preparedness is commonplace. Although this is just a 15-minute film, I wanted to authentically reflect the reality of the people in my life.
DEADLINE: How did Jenifer Lewis come to the project?
HENDERSON: Jenifer sees herself as more of an advocate than an actress at this stage in her career. We initially faced rejections from several notable actors, but our casting director, Ally Beans, successfully introduced the script to Jenifer’s agent. Once Jenifer read it, she fell in love with the story and was eager to take on the challenge. It was inspiring to witness her commitment, especially given her history of advocacy on issues like gun violence.
DEADLINE: You’ve participated in several prestigious film festivals and landed a spot on the 2026 Oscars shortlist. What does this recognition mean to you?
HENDERSON: The response to this film has moved me deeply. We’ve attended around 11 Oscar-qualifying festivals, winning four—three of which are Black film festivals. Each victory feels significant, especially as they resonate with our cultural narratives. While I’m grateful for our shortlist status, it’s the powerful responses from audiences that matter most. The impact of this film, particularly among educators and community members, underscores its importance.
The experience has reinforced the vital role that festivals focused on Black stories play in the broader filmmaking landscape. Their recognition validates voices that are often overlooked, shedding light on the importance of diverse narratives. As we continue this journey, I hope our film inspires dialogue and reflection in the face of ongoing challenges related to school safety.
[This interview has been edited for length and clarity]
