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Featured Filmmaker

Individuals who highlight the best of humanity through film.

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Celebrating Greg MacGillivray Born in 1945, MacGillivray began his filmmaking journey at the age of 13, producing surf films that captured the essence of the sport.
Will Parrinello’s "Water for Life" World Premiere Will Parrinello's new feature film, Water for Life, has its World Premiere and other screenings in the Bay Area in October 2023.
Interview with Logan Smalley, Founder of TED-Ed Read MY HERO's interview with filmmaker and founder of TED-Ed, Logan Smalley.
Tiffany Shlain Tiffany Shlain at the 10th Annual Webby Awards Tiffany Shlain is an artist, a filmmaker and the Director and Founder of the Webby Awards.
Tiffany Shlain and 'The Teen Brain' Tiffany Shlain & Goldie Hawn will be honored with the 2024 MY HERO Media Award at our 20th Annual Film Festival.
Andrei Tarkovsky Andrei Tarkovsky was a filmmaker who invented a new language, true to the nature of film.
Interviews with Filmmakers at the 20th MY HERO Film Festival Santos Herrera interviewed several filmmakers at the 20th Film Festival about their perspectives on MY HERO and their advice for aspiring filmmakers.
'An ADHD Perspective,' by Karina Morris Read about student filmmaker Karina Morris' film, An ADHD Perspective.
Natalie Chien Wins 2024 MY HERO Sing for Hope Music Video Student Award Read about Natalie Chien's 'Viva La Veta,' winner of the MY HERO Sing for Hope Music Video Student Award, 2024.
Katherine Liao: MY HERO BEST of FEST Winner Read about Katherine Liao, a student filmmaker and activist passionate about fighting injustice.
Vivien Mason Wins Stop Motion Animation Read about Vivien Mason's 'Handmade Happiness,' first place winner in the Stop Motion Animation category at the 20th Annual MY HERO International Film Festival.
Rewilding Honeybees Wins First Place Environmental Read about Cameron Nielsen's short documentary 'Rewilding Honeybees,' winner of First Place in the Environmental category at the 2024 MY HERO International Film Festival.
Max Romey wins the 2024 MY HERO Sylvia Earle Award Read an interview with Max Romey, creator of the 2024 MY HERO Sylvia Earle Award winning film 'If You Give a Beach a Bottle.'
Gabrielle Gorman Watch a film by Gabrielle Gorman and you will be struck by her powerful and poetic use of imagery, even as she explores charged subjects such as racism, police brutality, and identity.
Tige Charity and KITS Tige Charity, originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and who now resides in Los Angeles, is the founder of Kids in the Spotlight, Inc. (KITS).
Gabriel Diamond at the 20th MY HERO Film Festival ‘Daga - A Woman’s Fight to Empower Girls in her Village’ directed by Fama Ndiaye and Produced by Sky Dylan-Robbins & Gabriel Diamond wins at festival.
Gabriel Diamond Gabriel Diamond, filmmaker and his inspiration.
Skip Blumberg Well known for his contributions to the world of documentary filmmaking, Blumberg is celebrated for capturing real, heartfelt moments.
Shonda Rhimes Learn more about changemaker Shonda Rhimes, producer, showrunner, writer best known for Grey's Anatomy.
The 20th MY HERO Film Festival Awards Ceremony The 20th MY HERO Film Festival Awards Ceremony held on November 16th, 2024 in Santa Monica at the Ann & Jerry Moss Theater at New Roads School.
The Ron Kovic Peace Prize 2024 The presentation of the Ron Kovic Peace Prize to USC student Dima Puchkarev for his film 'Grillo'.
The WOJ Youth Reporter Awards 2024 Read about the WOJ Youth Reporter Awards presented at the 20th Annual MY HERO International Film Festival on November 16th, 2024.
Emergent Productions: Promoting Conservation Through Digital Storytelling Read about Emergent Productions, a Florida-based non-profit organization using digital storytelling to promote conservation.
Hunter Nickless: MY HERO Film Festival Winner Read about Hunter Nickless, a young filmmaker, actor, photographer, and first place winner of the High School Narrative category at MY HERO's 20th Annual International Film Festival.
Shannon Morrall wins the MY HERO Sylvia Earle Student Award MY HERO interviewed Shannon about her experience as a filmmaker and her motivation to make this film.
DCTVNY Produces Youth Media Since its founding in 1972, DCTVNY has been New York City’s preeminent community of and for documentary storytellers.
Keith Griffin 111 - BEEKEEPER In his film, BEEKEEPER, Keith Griffith III, 15, shares the healing power and ecological importance of beekeeping.
Magnus Shipe, Young Filmmaker Kuinerraq is a short film where Magnus Shipe explores the heritage of his maternal grandma through this glance at a Yu'pik village and his Native Alaskan roots.
Finn DeWitt, Filmmaker and Activist Finn is a 12-year-old filmmaker who is advocating for the environment.
Janet Yang A celebrated American film producer whose career spans decades and has had a significant impact on Hollywood and beyond.
Norman Lear: The Man Who Revolutionized American TV
Dangers of Vaping Wins First Place High School Documentary
Anna Brodine Wins Two Film Festival Awards
In Progress, a Non-Profit Arts' Organization, Wins at 2021 Film Festival In Progress provides opportunities for artists to develop their skills as digital storytellers through the use of photography, video, and music.
Tom Weinberg a filmmaker and television producer from Chicago, who has had a lifelong passion for television and media.
Documentary Expedition Amana is a Finalist at the MY HERO Film Festival MY HERO interviewed Mason Le about his experience as a filmmaker and his contribution to this project.
Lotte Reiniger a German film director and the foremost pioneer of silhouette animation.
George Lucas Read this story on American filmmaker and philanthropist, George Lucas.
Ryan Coogler Coogler at USC - MHIFF 2010 Ryan Coogler is a MY HERO IFF Alumni and director of Black Panther, Creed and Fruitvale Station.
Frances Marion: A Pioneer of Early Hollywood Frances Marion was a pioneering figure in the early days of Hollywood. She was a prolific screenwriter, director, and producer.
Mr Beast
Betsy West West is an award-winning American producer, filmmaker, and video journalist known for her biographical documentary films focusing on dynamic women.
'It Takes a Lemon,' directed by Corey J. Gilbert Read this story about the winner of the Best of Fest Narrative award at the 2023 MY HERO International Film Festival, 'It Takes a Lemon,' directed by Corey J. Gilbert.
'Impact,' directed by Dallin Hansen Read this story about 'Impact,' a finalist in the High School Documentary category of the MY HERO 2023 International Film Festival.
'Los Guardianes' directed by Kira O' Boyle 'Los Guardianes' wins in the high school documentary category at the 2023 MY HERO International Film Festival.
The Making of ‘A Prayer for My Mother: The Eva Brettler Story’ The Making of ‘A Prayer for My Mother: The Eva Brettler Story’ Read this short essay from USC student Eve Levy, on the making of ‘A Prayer for My Mother: The Eva Brettler Story’ with The Righteous Conversations Project.
'The Descent,' directed by Tatiana Collet-Apraxine wins 2023 Immersive Storytelling Award The Descent, directed by Tatiana Collet-Apraxine, has won the Immersive Storytelling Award at the 2023 MY HERO International Film Festival.
Surfers Healing Autism Camps Surfers Healing, the original surf camp for children with autism was founded in 1996. Its mission is to enrich the lives of people living with autism by exposing them to the unique experience of surfing.
Mónika Naranjo-Shepherd: Storytelling Through Her Eyes As a child, Mónika Naranjo-Shepherd loved writing stories.. Now, she is a well-travelled documentarian and 2023 winner of MY HERO Project’s Sylvia Earle Award.
Selket Kaufman: A Hero and Voice for Nature Selket carries an immense passion for nature and through her travels, she’s had her eyes opened up to the environment and also the cultures around them.
'Hello Anna!': Winner of the Eva Haller Women Transforming Media Award in the 18th annual Film Festival 2022 'Hello Anna!': Finalist in the 18th annual Film Festival 2022
'Sorry for your Loss' is a finalist for a MY HERO 18th Annual Film Festival Award
'EIGHT POINTS TO PEACE' is Nominated for Award
'The Invisible' Wins MY HERO Film Fest College Animation Award
Maysles Documentary Center The Maysles Documentary Center, founded by Albert Maysles, started out as a summer program for young people whose parents had been incarcerated.
'Ukwati' Wins MY HERO Film Fest Relationships First Award Ukwati is a heart-felt documentary about child marriage in Malawi and some of the innovative solutions that transpired.
Julia Mintz: Director of 'Four Winters' Julia Mintz is a writer, producer and director of a feature documentary on the Jewish Resistance movement during WWII, "Four Winters."
'Illegitimate Voice': Finalist in the 18th Annual Film Festival 2022
Susan Hillary: The Bright and Empowered Mind Behind The PRATT in the HAT
‘Alan Magee: art is not a solace’: Winner of the Ron Kovic Peace Prize at MY HERO’s 18th Annual International Film Festival ‘Alan Magee: art is not a solace’: Winner of the Ron Kovic Peace Prize at MY HERO’s 18th Annual International Film Festival
Phyllis: A Self Portrait Wins Portrait of an Individual at MH Film Fest Director and producer Harris Cohen has won the 2022 MY HERO Film Festival for his film Phyllis: A Self Portrait, an inspirational short documentary film featuring a driven, multi-talented woman who is passionate about transforming her community.
Daniel Taylor wins WOJ Youth Reporter Middle School Award at 2022 MY HERO Film Festival Daniel Taylor wins WOJ Youth Reporter Middle School Award at 2022 MY HERO Film Festival
‘Inclusion on the Air’: Winner of the Women Transforming Media Youth Award and High School Documentary Category 2022
Animated short ‘Andy’ wins "Best of Fest" 2022 Animated short ‘Andy’ wins "Best of Fest" at the 18th Annual MY HERO International Film Festival
'Building a Shower Trailer for Chico's Houseless on a Budget... of Love!'
Wapikoni Mobile and "The Future Innu" Win Big at MY HERO 18th Annual Film Fest
Global Educator Award
George Lucas George Lucas (Edutopia ()) For the past 20 years, Mr. Lucas's Educational Foundation has sought out the best in educational innovations and put those tools in the hands of teachers around the world.
Will Parrinello Wins 2021 Best in Fest
Isaac Seigel-Boettner and Jacob Seigel Brielle Win Dan Eldon Award
Cari Beauchamp Turner Classic Movies Cari Beauchamp's book and documentary, Without Lying Down, excavates the nearly lost history of women in early Hollywood--and connects us to inspiring figures like Frances Marion.
Slater Jewell-Kemker, Director, An Inconvenient Youth Slater Jewell-Kemker is an award-winning student reporter and filmmaker who works for a better environment and for peace. Learn about more heroes at myhero.com.
Greta Gerwig Greta Gerwig is an American actress and filmmaker who was nominated for a Best Director Oscar--the first woman in eight years to receive a nomination in that category.
Cecil B. DeMille Cecil D. DeMille is credited as the founding father of American cinema, and he made 70 feature films in his lifetime. He is considered film history's most commercially successful producer and director.
Lisa Donato LISA DONATO is a writer, director, activist whose films, including RECLAIMING PAKISTAN, have won many awards & screened at festivals around the world.
Kim Adelman Kim Adelman is the author of the short filmmaking guide Making It Big in Shorts, now in its 3rd edition, and film programmer for the Focus on Female Directors Showcase at the American Cinematheque.
Jen Senko We talk to director Jen Senko about her documentary "The Brainwashing of My Dad," and how a divisive media is tearing our country apart.
Mary-Lyn Chambers, Director WTM
Kathy Eldon | Women Transforming Media Kathy Eldon We talk to Kathy Eldon about her memoir, "In the Heart of Life," and how the tragic death of her son Dan Eldon inspired her to forgive and to carry his creative spark forward by founding Creative Visions Foundation, an agency for creative activism.
Kayla Briët What happens when a story is forgotten? Our 2014 Emerging Filmmaker Award recipient Kayla Briët on her documentary short "Smoke that Travels"
Jessica Mayberry Jessica Mayberry is the founder and executive director of Video Volunteers, an organization that teaches filmmaking to underrepresented communities in India.
Christopher Nolan
Ric O'Barry Ric O'Barry works to free captive dolphins around the world.
Abigail Disney Abigail Disney is a philanthropist and documentary filmmaker who focuses on social issues.
Tim Burton
Robert Wise Robert Wise was an Academy Award winning filmmaker, teacher and mentor.
Robert Redford Robert Redford at the Skoll World Forum (Greg Smolonski Photography) Robert Redford established the Sundance Film Festival to effect change in the world.
Peter Jackson Peter Jackson is a filmmaker who directed the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
Nam June Paik #1 Video Artist Nam June Paik, 1986 (Photo, Rainer Rosenow) Nam June Paik is regarded as the father of video art. This article talks about the making of the video tribute "Nam June Paik: #1 Video Artist."
FACEBOOK STORIES - THE CONDITIONED a short film by Director Michael Marantz FACEBOOK STORIES - THE CONDITIONED a short film by Director Michael Marantz is dedicated to sharing stories and ideas from Facebook's community.
Bud Greenspan Bud Greenspan<br>Image <a href=http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=3864869> from NP Bud Greenspan is a filmmaker extraordinaire dubbed the 'Poet Laureate of the Olympics.
Tsering Wangmo Tsering Wangmo is a Tibetan filmmaker who won the Emerging Artist award at the 2019 MY HERO International Film Festival for "Conversations With My Mother."
Spike Lee Spike Lee is an Academy Award-winning producer, director, writer, and actor whose films wrestle with social justice issues that affect the black community.
Steven Spielberg Bullied in elementary school because he learned to read late, Steven Spielberg became an award winning filmmaker who pushed the limits of his art.
Angela Kim: MY HERO's Emerging Artist of the Year Angela Kim is a filmmaker who won MY HERO's Emerging Artist of the Year in 2020 for her film "Marcel Duchamp: The Art of Life."
Nirvan Mullick Nirvan Mullick is a filmmaker who spotted 'the perfect moment' when he filmed Caine's Arcade.
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