SPRINGFIELD, IL – University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) doctoral student Julie Staley has won a prestigious Mid-America Emmy Award for her short film, Music of Hope. The film, which highlights the work of UIS Ethnomusicology professor Yona Stamatis, took home the award for Historical/Cultural Short Form Content at the Emmy ceremony held on October 26 in Overland Park, Kansas.
Music of Hope sheds light on the tragic yet resilient stories of Jewish musicians during the Holocaust who had their instruments confiscated by the Nazis. The short film recounts the moving story of a violin buried by a Jewish man who was later killed in Auschwitz. Decades later, the violin was recovered and sent to his family in the United States, serving as a poignant symbol of memory and resilience.
Yona Stamatis and Julie Staley holding the Emmy award. (Courtesy of Spencer Films)
The Observer spoke with both Julie and Yona about the film’s creation and significance. Julie shared her inspiration for bringing such a powerful story to life, while Yona reflected on the historical importance of preserving musical heritage amidst tragedy. Together, they aimed to honor the legacy of Jewish musicians whose voices and instruments were silenced but whose stories continue to resonate.
This Emmy win for Music of Hope underscores UIS’s commitment to impactful storytelling and highlights the powerful intersection of history, music, and culture.
Brandon Damm: Julie, how does it feel to win an Emmy?
Julie Staley: This is my second Emmy and third nomination. It is a humbling experience because the judging is done by peers in the industry. Knowing that other professionals find your work exemplary or inspiring is uplifting.
BD: What is the application process to enter the Emmys?
JS: You enter your work through the NATAS Mid-America Emmy Awards. The judging process takes place by other members of the NATAS outside of the Mid-America region.
BD: Could you tell me about Spencer Films and how you got into filmmaking?
JS: Spencer Films began as a production company for our documentary “Fields of Gold” which had it’s Hollywood premiere in Los Angeles last year, followed up by premieres in three other states. It is now available for rent or purchase streaming on Amazon. As we began film production we also launched television work. Part of that work involved producing pieces for WSIU-TV which also owns the PBS station in Central Illinois, WSEC-TV. I began working in television years more than 35 years ago so it has been a rewarding experience to work on television and film projects at the same time.
BD: What is the message you want viewers to take away from Music of Hope?
JS: “Music of Hope” is a poignant and personal story of Dr. Yona Stamatis’ family heritage and legacy and how she combines that with her talent as a musician to promote peace and understanding across different cultures. I hope viewers can use this story to share Yona’s example of being a bearer of peace and unity in times of difficulty and division. She is using her talent and resources to bless others and we truly need more of that in our world.
BD: Yona, how does it feel to be a part of a film that has won an Emmy?
Yona Stamatis: I am thrilled that the Television Academy Foundation recognized the extraordinary work of Julie Staley and the Spencer Film Company with this prestigious award. It is an honor that this deeply difficult and personal family history has been preserved in such a beautiful way.
BD: How did you get involved with the project?
YS: In 2023, the Jewish Federation of Springfield hosted Violins of Hope, a traveling exhibit of violins salvaged from the Holocaust. The Jewish Federation approached me and asked if I would organize a series of lectures and concerts involving the Violins of Hope. I jumped at the opportunity – and was so pleased to share my own family’s violins of hope as part of the events. Julie Staley, CEO of the Spencer Film Company, participated in these events as well – and came up with the idea of creating a short documentary chronicling my family’s story.
BD: What is the message you want viewers to take away from Music of Hope?
YS: We live in an era of extraordinary division, antagonism, and fear of the other. It is my hope that this film inspires people to act with compassion, to create safe spaces for dialogue and self-expression, and to approach cultural diversity with respect and awe rather than fear and distaste. How beautiful the world would be if we all held supreme our common humanity.
BD: What advice would you give to UIS students wanting to be in your field or work on a creative project like Music of Hope?
YS: My greatest recommendation would be to pursue that which interests, inspires, and motivates you. A moment of fame or success is lovely but fleeting. A life filled with passionate engagement with what brings you joy is certainly the most valuable.
Staley is a journalist, filmmaker, and local actor. She previously worked as an anchor and reporter on Springfield area television. Staley is a contributor and host for “InFocus” on WSIU-TV. She is the president of the Staley Museum, Staley Family Foundation, and Spencer Theatre Company.
Yona Stamatis
