September 16, 2025 — Three Marist students have received an Emmy nomination from the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for their thoughtful documentary addressing bridge safety and suicide prevention.

Erin Holton and Facundo Martinez, who graduated in May 2025, along with Sofia Milojevic '26, were nominated in the Societal Concerns category. The seven-minute documentary, titled “A Mother’s Fight for Bridge Barriers,” tells the story of Lorraine Lein, who lost her 17-year-old son Jake in 2023 when he jumped from the Bear Mountain Bridge. Lein now advocates for the New York State Bridge Authority to install safety barriers on its five bridges.

Erin, Facundo, and Sofia created the documentary in Professor Jeffrey Basinger’s Documentary Production class in partnership with The Highlands Current.

"The most important thing to me while approaching this story was making sure Lorraine felt like her story was being told accurately and fairly," said Erin, who received her degree in communication with a concentration in journalism, as well as minors in interactive media and music. "This documentary wasn't about us telling her story; it was about her telling her own story and us giving her the platform to do so."

Professor Basinger noted the efforts the students displayed to treat the challenging subject matter with care.

"They asked all the right questions of me," he said. "They wanted to make sure they were sensitive; they wanted to make sure that they did justice to the person, their subject."

Facundo, who graduated with a degree in media studies and production with a concentration in film and television, described their visual approach as intentionally understated. 

"We didn't want to overcomplicate things and make our documentary a visual spectacle," Facundo said. "We felt a simpler and more respectful visual approach was appropriate for the subject matter, leaving room for the emotional story to be front and center." 

The group collaborates on set in the making of their documentary. On right: Facundo Martinez '25 makes adjustments to a camera. Photos courtesy of Jeffrey Basinger, School of Communication and the Arts.

Learning Through Challenge
The project was a significant learning experience for all three students. Their initial cut ran about 20 minutes, and condensing the material while preserving its impact and respect for their subject proved difficult.

"It was tough for us to get rid of so many parts of our documentary because everything our subject was saying in her interview was so hard hitting and poignant," said Facundo. 

Sofia, who is majoring in communications with a concentration in advertising and double minors in digital video production and business, highlighted the importance of their collaborative approach. 

"We first wanted to make sure Lorraine, our subject, was as comfortable as possible through every step, as this was a tragic topic and time of her life," she said.

The Emmy nomination represents recognition not just of the students' technical skills, but of their storytelling ability and professional approach. Professor Basinger, who has extensive experience in multimedia journalism from his years at Newsday, noted that this team stood out for the way they worked together.

"All three of them naturally have a collaborative spirit and a professional level of maturity," he said. "I knew that piece was going to be in good hands."

For Erin, who is now freelancing for the Hudson Valley Times, the amplification of the film’s message is the most important part of the nomination.

"The nomination isn't what made me feel the best, rather it was knowing that more and more people are getting to hear Lorraine and Jake's story, and at the end of the day, that's all I can ask for as a journalist." 

Emmy Night Awaits Students
The Emmy Awards ceremony will take place on October 11, where the documentary will compete against three other nominees in the Societal Concerns category. All three students plan to attend, along with Basinger and the Dean of the School of Communication and the Arts, Dr. Maurice Hall. 

Sofia said she learned about the nomination while working. 

"I froze, my heart was pounding," she said. "I am beyond proud of my group members and what we were able to accomplish. I am also grateful we were able to help Lorraine share her story with so many and get more attention on bridge safety."

Watch the documentary here: