Rutgers Law Media Producer Wins Two Davey Awards for Documentary on Cuba Legal Studies Program
Rutgers Law Digital Media Producer Nate Nakao won two silver Davey Awards from the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA) for a documentary-style video highlighting the school's annual Cuba legal studies course. The video was recognized in the categories of Craft-Best Videography & Cinematography and General-Schools & Universities.
For more than two decades, the Davey Awards have honored the best creative work produced by small agencies, in-house teams, and independent creators. Nakao single-handedly produced, recorded, and edited the award-winning documentary, which follows Rutgers Law students and Rutgers—Newark undergraduates as they visited the island in 2025 during spring break. While the course has taken place for over 20 years, Nakao’s video marks the first time the experience has been captured in a documentary format.
Nakao said, “The students who traveled to Cuba came back with experiences that changed how they see the world, and my job was to share those experiences with the broader Rutgers community. I’m honored by this recognition, and I'm grateful both to the students who trusted me with their story and to Professor [Charles] Auffant for this opportunity.”
Rutgers Law Dean Johanna Bond said, “Nate's achievement reflects the excellence and creativity that drive Rutgers Law forward. Through compelling storytelling, his work advances our strategic commitment to elevating Rutgers Law's visibility, showcasing the extraordinary experiences of our students, and demonstrating the real-world value of a Rutgers legal education. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition."
The video documents students’ firsthand exploration of Cuban law, history, and society through conversations with local attorneys, activists, students, and community members. Beyond the classroom, students immerse themselves in the culture of the island and bring essential items to donate to schools, medical clinics, and community organizations. The course is led each year by Rutgers Law Clinical Professor Charles Auffant.
“International travel is essential to a holistic education, helping students encounter new perspectives and better understand the world they will one day help lead. That is especially true of travel to Cuba, particularly now," Professor Auffant said. "This award recognizes Nate’s exceptional work: he captures the students’ experience seamlessly and with care, creating an honest, student centered film that lets their voices and discoveries shine. Thank you, Nate, for capturing the educational importance of this program for our students and Rutgers.”
Click below to watch the video
Every entry in the Davey Awards is evaluated on its own merit against a standard of excellence set by AIVA. Jurors consider the work as a whole using criteria specific to each category type, such as creative, technical and strategic achievement. The entire AIVA jury conducts an initial round of evaluations, and the Executive Jury conducts a final round.
“Winners this season showed us that big ideas can come from teams of any size,” said AIVA General Manager Josh Campbell. “We’re honored to spotlight work that proves the creativity coming from small shops truly has No Limits.”
This year’s winners also include Ameriprise Financial, NBC Arthouse, Reservoir/Tommy Boy Records, Saffron Road Food, MBLM, The LOOMIS Agency, Leap Group Agency, Washington Gas, Thrillworks Inc., Mendoza Group, Savannah College of Art and Design, Heinz History Center, The Alamo, PBS Reno and many others.
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