Sam Ellison is a filmmaker and cinematographer based in New York City, whose non-fiction work focuses on the intercultural peripheries of the United States. His distinct style draws from his experience in both traditional narrative fiction and stripped-down personal documentary. As a camera operator Sam has shot high profile titles like “You Are My Friend” (2019), starring Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers; “I Know This Much Is True” (2020) for HBO, “Vox Lux” (2018), with Natalie Portman directed by Brady Corbet; and “Manchester by the Sea” (2016), which won two Academy Awards for Kenneth Lonergan and Casey Affleck. This is Sam’s first feature film as a director. He is a graduate of film programs at Harvard (2008, BA) and Stanford University (2017, MFA).