Miriam Shor Challenges the Silence of NDAs in Groundbreaking Documentary My NDA at SXSW

Miriam Shor is set to premiere her documentary My NDA at the SXSW film festival, tackling the often-ignored implications of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Known for her roles in prestigious television and film, Shor has firsthand experience with NDAs, which are designed to prevent parties from disclosing sensitive information.

The Impact of NDAs on Personal Lives

Shor’s extensive career has required her to sign numerous NDAs, particularly in high-profile projects like the Apple TV+ series Pluribus and within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She acknowledges the necessity of these agreements in protecting confidential details, stating, “There’s trade secret NDAs. You don’t want me to talk about the latest superhero movie? I’m like, ‘You got it!’”

However, Shor believed that the MeToo movement had prompted a reevaluation of NDAs, especially as many women began to break their silence regarding harassment and assault. Yet, a personal experience with an NDA led her to question the broader societal understanding of these legal documents.

The Personal Toll of Silence

Shor recounts that signing an NDA silenced her from discussing aspects of her personal life. Although she emphasizes that her situation was not as severe as those of the participants in her film, she found the act of being silenced deeply unsettling. She does not feel compelled to breach that NDA, but she highlights the troubling nature of being told she cannot speak.

After extensive discussions with lawyers, journalists, and individuals who have navigated the complexities of NDAs, Shor became determined to explore the subject through a documentary lens. She describes her commitment to the project as unwavering, saying, “I became a dog with a bone, really.”

Collaborating on a New Perspective

While Shor had directed episodes of her series Younger, she had never ventured into feature filmmaking. Seeking an experienced collaborator, she partnered with Juliane Dressner. Initially skeptical about the potential for a compelling documentary on NDAs, Dressner, known for her Emmy-nominated work on Personal Statement, shifted her perspective after further research and discussions with employment attorney Vince White.

The co-directors realized that a more nuanced storytelling approach could effectively convey the risks associated with NDAs. They aimed to follow individuals as they navigated the decision to break their agreements, providing a first-person perspective on how NDAs can be weaponized.

The Broader Context of NDAs

In the wake of the MeToo movement, numerous individuals, including Harvey Weinstein accusers and Facebook whistleblowers, have come forward after breaking their NDAs. These revelations have been documented in major publications such as the New York Times, New Yorker, and Wall Street Journal.

Shor emphasizes that many of these stories focus on the reasons individuals signed NDAs, often related to harmful business practices or settlements. She notes, “What we realized our way in — and also what seemed under-reported — was the human cost of being silenced.” The documentary aims to highlight the emotional toll of being legally gagged and the moral dilemmas faced by those under threat of retaliatory lawsuits.

Documenting Personal Journeys

My NDA features three individuals from various industries as they navigate the process of breaking their NDAs. Ashley Kostial, who signed an NDA with SAP after experiencing sexual assault by a colleague, is one of the subjects. The film also includes Ifeoma Ozoma, a former Pinterest employee who exposed racial discrimination, and Lachlan Cartwright, a journalist who revealed unethical practices at the National Enquirer.

Over several years, Shor and Dressner, alongside producer Elizabeth Woodward from Willa, followed their subjects as they engaged with journalists, both anonymously and publicly, consulted with legal advisors, and advocated for legislative changes to address NDA abuses.

Challenges During Production

The documentary faced challenges as some participants opted out of filming due to concerns about their safety and legal repercussions. Shor acknowledged the risks involved, stating the need to remain vigilant about the potential impact on individuals’ lives.

During production, one subject faced ongoing legal action, prompting concerns about her participation. Despite this, she wished to remain part of the documentary. The directors anonymized her as “Jane,” altering her voice and appearance to represent the many individuals silenced by NDAs.

Raising Awareness

The documentary seeks to raise awareness about the potential dangers and misuse of NDAs. Shor notes that NDAs are often mischaracterized as solely a women’s issue, particularly in the context of the MeToo movement. She emphasizes that the reality is much broader, affecting a wide range of individuals.

Shor and Dressner also point out that the boilerplate language of NDAs has led to a proliferation of seemingly unnecessary legal agreements, including residential leases. During production, Dressner encountered standard templates that included NDAs, which they promptly removed before filming.

As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.

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Published on 2026-03-13 22:01:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk