Nick Canfield
Directing
Biography
Nick Canfield is an award winning documentary director whose films profile unique individuals, iconic artists, and unsung elements of culture. He developed an intimate observational style as a cinematographer and archivist for legendary filmmaker Albert Maysles. His latest film OH YEAH! premiered at the Tribeca Festival, was selected for DOC NYC Film Festival’s prestigious Short List, and was released by Rolling Stone Films. My Back Pages premiered at the Woodstock Film Festival, and is available on The Criterion Channel. His first film, the feature music documentary The Reverend, won the Audience Award at DOC NYC, was distributed theatrically by Factory 25, and is streaming on several platforms. Nick’s camera work can be seen in documentaries such as Iris (NYFF premiere, distributed by Magnolia Pictures), The Fifty Year Argument (HBO, directed by Martin Scorsese), Born to Fly (SxSW premiere), In Transit (Tribeca premiere), and Making a Murderer (Netflix). Nick serves on the board of the Maysles Documentary Center, and was named one of DOC NYC’s 40 Filmmakers Under 40.
Known For
IRIS pairs legendary 87-year-old documentarian Albert Maysles with Iris Apfel, the quick-witted, flamboyantly dressed 93-year-old style maven who has had an outsized presence on the New York fashion scene for decades. More than a fashion film, the documentary is a story about creativity and how, even in Iris’ dotage, a soaring free spirit continues to inspire. IRIS portrays a singular woman whose enthusiasm for fashion, art and people are life’s sustenance and reminds us that dressing, and indeed life, is nothing but an experiment.
Iris
Winner of the DOC NYC Audience Award, Director Nick Canfield’s first film follows gospel-rock icon and activist Reverend Vince Anderson. After entering seminary, Vince dropped out to follow his second calling - music. With his band The Love Choir, he has played a now-legendary weekly show for over twenty years. Reconnecting with his faith and using his intense soulful music, he began to preach a type of spirituality that is open to all, meets people where they are, and moves everyone that sees him play. Reverend Vince is also deeply involved in social justice, working with other faith leaders around the country to build inclusive communities. Featuring Questlove and an ensemble of eccentric musicians, The Reverend is a rocking concert film as well as an intimate portrait of Reverend Vince’s inspiring personal and spiritual life.
The Reverend
The Empire Builder is America’s busiest long-distance train route, running from Chicago to Seattle. Throughout these corridors sit runaways, adventurers, and loners – a myriad of passengers waiting to see what their journey holds. A touching and honest observation, co-directed by the iconic Albert Maysles, In Transit breathes life into the long commute, and contemplates the unknowns that lie at our final destination.
In Transit
The story of the iconic electronic music group Yello and the phenomenon of their 1980's hit song, exploring the song’s cultural impact and its enduring place in the American psyche.
Oh Yeah!
13-year-old inventor Aidan has discovered that trees use a mathematical formula to gather sunlight in crowded forests. Now he wonders why we don't collect solar energy the same way.
The Secret of Trees
As Mitch Blank prepares to donate his vast Bob Dylan memorabilia collection, he reflects on the nature of collecting and the emotions around letting it go.
My Back Pages
Diana Arnold carries us with her from table to table during a busy night at work in the service industry.