About James Ferrari

James Ferrari is a visionary creative activist and social entrepreneur whose multifaceted career spans filmmaking, OPED Writing, visual arts, technology innovation, and transformative philanthropy. As a catalyst for systemic change, he leverages his artistic vision and business acumen to address critical issues including environmental sustainability, social justice, reproductive rights, and media literacy. Currently, Ferrari is supporting young political activists and podcasters in the creation of personal, cultural and political videos, while also anchoring on his own through various platforms. 

Creative & Artistic Leadership

As a filmmaker, artist, and creative professional, Ferrari brings meaningful stories to life both behind and in front of the camera. His recent projects include the 2024 film "Returning to Earth" directed by Tim Hunter, and serving as executive producer on Sony Pictures' "A Mouthful of Air" (2021) starring Amanda Seyfried. His documentary work includes the Generation Award-winning "Hummingbirds" (2023) at the Berlin International Film Festival, which examined immigration through the lens of personal friendship. In 2006, he produced “One Day Peace,” a musical collaboration in the name of the international day of peace with Swizz Beatz, John Legend, Flowetry, Eve, Cassidy, and Fabulous, among others. Currently in pre-production with Trudie Styler and Maven Pictures, he's producing a film about Dutch doctor Rebecca Gomperts and the groundbreaking “Women On Waves” initiative.

Through his companies Citizen Media (founded 2006) and Tribal Truth (founded 2005), Ferrari creates new media spanning film, television, and digital entertainment while incubating partnerships between artists and humanitarian organizations. His theatrical lighting installation "LoveLite" exemplifies his fusion of art and activism—a 60-foot steel tower installation celebrating global unity through vibrant intersecting lights and original music recorded with orphans in Uganda's rainforest.

Activist & Change Agent

Ferrari’s activism extends from boardrooms to art installations, consistently championing causes that reshape systems and empower communities. He serves on the National Leadership Council of the News Literacy Project, combating misinformation since 2017, and is a member of The Common Good, promoting healthy political discourse. His participation in the 2020 For Freedoms Congress and TEDxSingSing demonstrates his commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and criminal justice reform.

At global conferences including the Boston Global Forum and United Nations, Ferrari advocates for regulatory reform of big tech companies and addresses AI's impact on information integrity. His "Global Enlightenment Mountain Program" proposes revolutionary approaches to creating ethical AI ecosystems.

Professional Impact & Innovation

As founder of Benjamin James (1993), one of New York City's leading real estate firms, Ferrari built a 200-person company with four offices before pivoting his focus to social impact. His investment portfolio reflects his values, supporting companies like SimpliPhi Power (clean energy storage), one.bio (sustainable nutrition), Vestaron (biological pest control), and Bonumose (healthy natural sugars).

Ferrari’s humanitarian work spans continents—from facilitating flood relief housing construction in Mozambique using proceeds from his NYC developments, to collaborating with UNICEF across 22 countries on HIV pandemic response. His work with the Synergos Institute to assist flood relief in Mozambique supporting Graça Machels organization exemplifies his commitment to international development and social justice.

Vision & Legacy

Since 2014, Ferrari has been at the forefront of exploring technology's intersection with social science and collective intelligence, participating regularly at MIT's Center for Collective Intelligence, Media Lab, and Bitcoin Currency Lab. His approach consistently bridges creative expression with systemic change, whether through art installations that reimagine community connection or investments that advance environmental and social progress.

Ferrari studied Political Science from Hunter College with continuing education in globalization. He supports numerous organizations including the Foreign Policy Association, Ubuntu Education Fund, Marshall Project, Creative Resistance, and  while maintaining active roles as visual artist, painter, actor, and OPED writer (see “The real estate industry is wrong about Zohran Mamdani,” “The Progressive Media Crisis: Addressing Right-Wing Narrative Dominance,” and “Not in my backyard. It will dwarf the High Line”).