Discover Top Non-Fiction Film Directors in Washington D.C, USA

Visual journalist (photo and video) currently based in Washington, DC specializing in documentary and editorial visuals whose work has been published on CNN, NBC News, AJ+ (Al-Jazeera), Fusion, NPR, and other news outlets in addition to working corporate clients such as the United Nations Higher Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), The Human Rights Campaign, Starbucks, People Magazine, etc. Armando finished his tenure as a communications fellow in 2014 at the United Nations University for Peace where he also worked as their official photographer/videographer documenting the different dignitaries and events occurring at the University. He also received a Master's in Media, Peace and Conflict studies from the aforementioned institution and holds a Bachelor's in Political Science. Armando's work has been exhibited in California and Washington, DC where he received 'Best in show' during the 'Exposed DC' exhibit at the Longview Gallery. He's also a proud alumni of the Eddie Adams Workshop XXIX. For more on his work visit: www.okaybokeh.com

• Documentary DP
• Video Editor - News
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Reporter / Journalist
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Translator
• Commercial DP
• Sound Mixer
• Mobile Journalist / Livestreamer
• On-Air Reporter / Host
• Creative Director
• Field Producer
• TV News Producer
• Production Company
• Drone Operator
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Production Assistant
• Fixer
• Immersive/Spatial Video Capture
• Corporate Videographer
• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Production Coordinator / Crewing
• Transcriber
• Event Photographer
• Landscape Photographer
• Portrait Photographer
• Product Photographer
• HD Live Operator
• Full-Service Live Production
• Non-Fiction Film Director

Journalist, news and non-news producer with more than 20 years experience in all aspects of media production. Fahimeh started her journalism path in Iran and she worked in numerous newspapers. She always kept her eyes on areas such as social, women, laborers and the young generation’s issues. In 2010 she started her career at Radio Free Europe, Radio Farda, where she still works from Washington DC. Fahimeh is the producer of Radio Farda’s weekly social magazine and also she has played a significant role in starting Frda TV as the lead TV presenter and host of the morning show. She joined VOA Persian in 2016 and worked as one of the best TV presenters and news anchors. After 2016, she continued her career with Radio Fada and started a significantly successful and well known debate series named “Taboo”, in which she discussed some of the most controversial political, religious, gender and cultural taboos in Iran. She is currently working on a new docuseries for Radio Farda, focusing on censorship in Iran. She is also well known for her extremely popular podcast series named “Ghazayeye Irani” which digs deeper in Iranian culture and society through food and its rituals. She also won the silver medal of 2022 in New York festival for radio and TV production for her radio documentary: “My censored life”.

• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• On-Air Reporter / Host
• TV News Producer
• Documentary DP
• Podcast Producer
• Production Company
• Senior Producer / Project Manager

Justin graduated from Pacific Union College, where he studied Film and Marketing. His Senior year, he produced the short film, Heaven, which took home the award for the school’s Best Senior Thesis. Justin worked on several independent films, such as I Am I and Struck by Lightning, as well as several documentaries, Napa Valley Dreams and CHECK IT. He produced several short films, music videos, and a web series. He recently completed his first feature length documentary, Hamtramck, USA, about life and democracy in America's first Muslim majority city. It premiered at SXSW 2020 and was broadcast on PBS World Channel's America Reframed in Summer 2021. The film was supported by JustFilms/Ford Foundation, The Center for Asian American Media, The Islamic Scholarship Foundation, and Doha Debates. He was awarded the Knight Foundation Fellowship at the Sundance Film Festival. He currently creates video content for organizations throughout the DC area, including USA Today, Hispanic Heritage Foundation, and More Perfect Union.

• Documentary DP
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Production Coordinator / Crewing
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Sound Mixer
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Event Photographer
• Video Editor - News
• Post-Production Manager
• Corporate Videographer

Xinyan is an award-winning video journalist and filmmaker based in Washington DC. Born and raised in Wuhan, China, Xinyan started her journalism career in 2012 working as a producer for BBC News in Beijing covering the Asia Pacific region. In 2018, she launched the North America video team for Hong Kong’s flagship newspaper South China Morning Post in New York, and later joined the BBC's Washington DC bureau in 2020 as a senior video journalist. Xinyan's 23-min BBC documentary China’s Science Revolution won the 2015 BBC Storytelling Fund and was Highly Commended for Excellent Online Production at the 2016 AIB Awards. Her 15-min short film for South China Morning Post, Fighting Fentanyl: the Drug from China Destroying American Lives, won the Gold Prize for Best Use of Online Video at the 2019 WAN-IFRA Asian Digital Media Awards. A BBC News video feature she shot, Are America's unvaccinated changing their minds?, won a White House News Photographers Association's Eyes of History Digital Storytelling award in 2022. Now working as an independent filmmaker, she has directed and produced for the BBC, CNBC, PBS NOVA, Newsy and Channel New Asia. Xinyan is a Firelight Media Documentary Lab fellow, a Brown Girls Doc Mafia Sustainable Artist fellow and an alumnus of the Yaddo Residency.

• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Documentary DP
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Field Producer
• TV News Producer
• Video Editor - News
• Video Editor - Documentary
• HD Live Operator
• Reporter / Journalist
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Drone Operator
• Fixer
• Production Assistant
• Audio Storyteller
• Commercial DP
• Creative Director
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Corporate Videographer

Whitney Shefte is a Peabody, Murrow and Emmy Award-winning independent video journalist and documentary filmmaker who worked for The Washington Post for over 17 years. With a highly versatile and adaptable skill set, Whitney works as a director, cinematographer, producer and editor on documentary, breaking news, interactive, feature stories and sponsored/commercial projects. Whitney’s work has taken her all over the world to tell stories across coverage areas. She documented the war in Ukraine, climate change in Greenland, the ongoing conflict in Western Sahara, press access issues in Pakistan and the aftermath of the genocide in Rwanda. She has also covered myriad issues across the United States from politics to healthcare to immigration to education. Whitney was part of the team that was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in public service for coverage of the January 6 insurrection and its aftermath. Her work on traumatic brain injury in the military earned a Peabody Award.

• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Documentary DP
• Corporate Videographer
• Commercial DP
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - News
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Field Producer
• News Shooter / Video Journalist

I am a filmmaker and visual journalist with over 10 years of experience writing, directing, producing, and editing impactful documentary films. As en editor, the pacing and structure of my edits are directed by emotion. I have experience in documentary sound design and basic color correction. As a director, I bring a unique creative eye to my projects, incorporating stop motion animation, puppetry, diorama builds and work with actors, into much of my journalism for The Washington Post. Creating a safe and supportive space for those featured in my stories is a top priority. I am passionate about portraying people's many layers with sensitivity and nuance. I earned a Pulitzer prize and the Ben Bradlee Award for Courage in journalism for my contributions to The Washington Post’s coverage of the January 6th insurrection. I am a Digiday winner and two-time Webby Honoree for multiple documentary series.

• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - News
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Field Producer
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Production Coordinator / Crewing
• Art Director
• Documentary DP
• Sound Mixer
• Sound Designer
• Grip

Over the last three decades I have been honing the craft of video and film, documenting people, places and events from the Washington DC area and around the world. From lighting to directing to editing, I have worked on a wide variety of projects including documentaries, television shows, music videos and corporate video productions. I lead teams of lighting, camera and audio technicians on high-profile, multi-camera shoots. I am also proficient at pitching, producing, writing and editing natural sound packages and feature pieces. I always want to continue to learn new techniques, overcome challenging obstacles, and improve my skills as a professional videographer and film maker. Attention to detail, creativity, technological expertise, problem solving skills, punctuality and clear and direct communication are just a few of the things that I will bring to the table. I look forward to providing all audio-visual solutions for you and your company. Let’s talk about your next project and come up with a plan.

• Immersive/Spatial Video Capture
• Documentary DP
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Sound Mixer
• Corporate Videographer
• Commercial DP
• Drone Operator
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Field Producer
• Video Editor - News

Michael ‘Mickey Johnson’ Ohemeng Asante (born August 11, is a Ghanaian film Director, Documentary Director ,music video director, a Photographer and television commercial director. Mickey is the CEO and owner of Picplus Entertainment (A production company) ,Founder of Africanboy Worldwide (A music hub for finding great talents) and the Co -Founder of Lyon Empire . He has directed more than 100 music videos. Mickey directed, produced his first short film, Zylofon Chronicles starring Tiisha, which was and executive produced by Zylofon Media in 2020 and is developing several other film projects in Accra ,Ghana. He has also directed commercials for Mcberry Biscuit , R3d Beauty, Connie Avoi , Everlyna. Mickey Has worked on music video for ,The Late Ebony Reigns ,Wendy shay, Shaker,Magnum,Frenchkiss dj, Kwesi Arthur ,Twitch, Eshun,Tiisha, Akiyaana, Feli Nuna, Nana blue, Ene, Ishak Spark, Tino Gh,Camidoh, Mr.Eazi, Eugy, Boatzmadeit, Coco Benson, etc. He is working on several Documentaries as well

• Production Company
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Creative Director
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Colorist
• Documentary DP
• Corporate Videographer
• Commercial DP
• Motion Graphics Designer
• Product Photographer
• Event Photographer
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Portrait Photographer
• Senior Editor
• Art Director
• Drone Operator
• Animator / Visual Effects Artist
• Production Assistant
• Graphic Designer
• Field Producer
• TV News Producer
• Full-Service Live Production
• Mobile Journalist / Livestreamer
• Series Producer / Show Runner

They call me Esso, but my real name Josh. I’m a director + photographer living in Philadelphia. Inspired by street culture and the city, I bring that energy to every project I work on. I’m interested in telling emotional, subversive stories that spark empathy and compassion. Primarily a filmmaker, directing commercials, music videos and narrative projects. In addition, I spend my time helping musicians as a creative director + photographer, helping them tell their story through visuals. When possible, I’m using film as my medium of choice. I like to embrace the characteristics of the medium, which has imperfections and a chemical element that’s hard to control. The Japanese call this Wabi-Sabi and I try to lean into these beautiful imperfections in all my work. There’s an excitement to be found in the beautiful accidents that are unexpected.

• Creative Director
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Production Company
• Commercial DP
• Documentary DP
• Corporate Videographer

I'm a highly-experienced video and film producer with a track record of producing projects that attract an audience and get results. My series "Cash Cab" is one of the most successful TV series of the last 15 years, and I won three Emmys for my work as Executive Producer, Director and Show runner. Since leaving "Cash Cab," I've created and produced two TV series for Nat Geo Wild and MSNBC. I've also produced dozens videos and spots for corporations, non-profits and organizations, and have created viral content for clients big and small. I work closely with clients to create concepts, write scripts, storyboard, design productions, direct in the field, and deliver highly-effective videos and films.

• Production Company
• Series Producer / Show Runner
• Video Editor - News
• Fixer
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Production Assistant
• Corporate Videographer
• Field Producer
• Copywriter
• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Creative Director
• Copy Editor

As a filmmaker who’s lived and traveled to different parts of the world, I've established a wide network of freelance filmmakers and animators in the area. With over 10 years of experience in directing, editing, writing, and producing commercials, music videos, corporate videos, NGO videos, as well as films, and albeit, graduating with a BA in Accounting, it’s safe to say that I am fully capable of managing big production sets, from creating the concept and storyboards to finding the right team for the job, to execution, post-production, down to the final delivery.

• Production Company
• Creative Director
• Documentary DP
• Corporate Videographer
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Post-Production Manager
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Portrait Photographer
• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Landscape Photographer
• Fixer
• Video Editor - News
• Senior Editor
• Line Producer / On-Location
• Translator

Metamer’s purpose is to deliver quality, custom video content that reanimates your brand’s digital presence. Our deliverables are designed to be repurposed across all your platforms, from your site and Social to marketing campaigns. As a boutique studio, we work with clients ranging from world-renowned brands to local nonprofits. What they all have in common and what matters most to us is the human element of storytelling and relationships. We create impactful content and enduring partnerships, ensuring that we’ll be your strategic consultants throughout the project and beyond.

• Commercial DP
• Creative Director
• Production Company
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Production Assistant
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Documentary DP
• Gaffer
• Grip
• Video Editor - News
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Full-Service Live Production
• Immersive/Spatial Video Capture
• Animator / Visual Effects Artist
• Motion Graphics Designer
• Post-Production Manager
• Colorist
• Production Coordinator / Crewing
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Corporate Videographer
• Field Producer

Experienced filmmaker who has a passion for digital storytelling in both the corporate and non-fiction realms; specializing in branded content and promotional short films. Whether promoting a nonprofit, showcasing the positive impact of a company or creating branded content — I believe that visual stories have the power to convey messages and inspire action in a way simple words cannot. As a small production company, we customize our crew and gear to match each production. Crew is willing and able to travel nationally and internationally, as well as produce virtual content.

• Corporate Videographer
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Documentary DP
• Production Company
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Fixer
• Commercial DP
• Production Assistant
• Drone Operator
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Senior Editor

Kate O. Wagner is an experienced media maker with a special interest in social justice issues. She has a decade of experience in filmmaking, with demonstrated skills in writing, producing, videography, video editing, photography, and podcasting. She is experienced in organizing production or post-production in six countries. She holds a BA in Media Studies with a concentration on Video Production, an MA in Arab Studies, and a Certificate in Refugees and Humanitarian Emergencies from the Institute for the Study of International Migration.

• Line Producer / On-Location
• Production Coordinator / Crewing
• Creative Director
• Field Producer
• Production Assistant
• TV News Producer
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Audio Storyteller
• Podcast Producer
• Post-Production Manager
• Documentary DP
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• News Shooter / Video Journalist

Whalen grew up in Springfield, Virginia and earned a Bachelors of Fine Arts in film and video production at the Savannah College of Art and Design. He is the winner of the ‘Best Cinematography’ award at the 8th Annual Chicago Horror Film Festival for his work on THE 8th PLAGUE. He has shot 7 feature films, countless shorts, and is also a photojournalist for various publications and broadcast outlets.

• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Documentary DP
• Commercial DP
• Production Company
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Video Editor - News
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Fixer
• Creative Director
• Corporate Videographer
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Post-Production Manager
• Social Media Producer

Hello! I am an innovative, multidisciplinary editor possessing a technical and creative background. I have balanced knowledge of marketing strategies and independent storytelling and my expertise resides in post production and creative direction. Philosophy: There's always a compelling story to be told, always people and places to connect with. You just need the patience and work ethic to reveal it.

• Documentary DP
• Production Assistant
• Video Editor - Documentary
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Creative Director
• Motion Graphics Designer
• Commercial DP
• Fixer
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Non-Fiction Film Director

Hello. My name is Drew and I'm a journalist, producer, cinematographer, editor, and broadcaster. I covered a broad range of stories from law enforcement and natural disasters to criminal justice and politics. I've also worked with businesses and causes to help tell their stories through dynamic video projects.

• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Corporate Videographer
• Field Producer
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Copywriter
• Drone Operator
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Sound Mixer
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Fixer
• Production Assistant
• Colorist
• Documentary DP
• Commercial DP
• Executive Producer

A little about me, I've been working in film for nearly 5 years now. I first started out as an anthropologist/archaeologist then decided to pursue film but still through an anthro lense. Ideally I like to work on documentaries or promotional pieces that gives a face to a business. I'm also an editor and work with Adobe specializing in After Effects.

• Creative Director
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Animator / Visual Effects Artist
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Documentary DP
• Corporate Videographer
• Field Producer
• Motion Graphics Designer
• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Production Coordinator / Crewing
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Post-Production Manager

Emily Thomas is documentary filmmaker and journalist based in the Baltimore, MD area. She seeks out stories around the world and in her own backyard that connect cultures, bridge divides and spark curiosity with the mission of amplifying often unheard voices. She received her master's in documentary filmmaking at UC Berkeley's Graduate School of Journalism.

• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Reporter / Journalist
• News Shooter / Video Journalist
• Documentary DP
• Field Producer
• Production Assistant
• Video Editor - News
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Commercial DP
• Video Editor - Commercial
• Line Producer / On-Location
• Corporate Videographer
• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• TV News Producer

Award winning photographer, artist, and filmmaker who works in landscape, documentary and experimental methods to ask questions about american identity, history and memory. Producer and director of feature and short films including All Light, Everywhere (Sundance 2021, Hulu) and Margie's Salt & Pepper Shakers (Sundance 2023, The New Yorker).

• Senior Producer / Project Manager
• Non-Fiction Film Director
• Field Producer
• Video Editor - Documentary
• Production Coordinator / Crewing
• Documentary DP
• Editorial Photographer / Photojournalist
• Landscape Photographer
• Portrait Photographer