Exploring the Void: A Closer Look at Families Affected by School Shootings

Steve Hartman, a seasoned journalist, realized he was becoming indifferent to the horror of school shootings. In response, he began reaching out to families who had lost children in such tragedies since Sandy Hook, proposing to archive their child's room through photographs and stories. Alongside photographer Lou Bopp, Hartman collaborated with director Joshua Seftel to craft the Netflix short film, 'All the Empty Rooms.'

A Project of Healing and Remembrance

In 2018, Steve Hartman took a unique approach to reporting on school shootings—one that was both personal and profound. He penned letters to grieving families, seeking permission to enter their homes and immortalize the spaces left behind by their lost children. This initiative stemmed from his own emotional fatigue and desire to truly honor the victims’ memories.

Collaborative Effort to Capture Stories

Joining forces with photographer Lou Bopp, Hartman set out to capture the untouched rooms as a representation of unfulfilled potential and enduring love. The documentary, co-directed with Joshua Seftel, offers a poignant and raw narrative through visual storytelling on Netflix.