David Heilbroner

David Heilbroner (born 20 August 1957) is an American director, producer, and sound editor whose career has been defined by a relentless commitment to illuminating difficult social issues through documentary film. Over more than two decades of activity, Heilbroner has cultivated a reputation for blending meticulous sound design with narrative depth, a skill set that emerged during his early work on television documentary series such as American Experience and Ten Days That Unexpectedly Changed America. His first major breakthrough arrived with the 2004 documentary Jockey, which showcased his ability to capture intimate human stories while maintaining broader cultural relevance, a talent that would later become his hallmark. In 2017, Heilbroner and his wife, fellow filmmaker Kate Davis, co‑produced Traffic Stop, a short documentary that examined police encounters and systemic bias, earning them an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Short Subject at the 90th Oscars and cementing their status as leading voices in contemporary non‑fiction cinema. The couple’s collaborative ethos continued with Say Her Name: The Life and Death of Sandra Bland (2018), a powerful exploration of racial injustice that further demonstrated Heilbroner’s deft handling of sensitive topics without sacrificing emotional resonance. Beyond these high‑profile projects, he has contributed to a diverse array of documentaries—including Stonewall Uprising, Plastic Disasters, and The Newburgh Sting—each reflecting his versatile approach to storytelling and his keen ear for sound design. Throughout his career, Heilbroner has balanced independent filmmaking with broader television work, consistently employing bold visual strategies and immersive audio to engage audiences. His body of work not only documents history but also challenges viewers to confront the underlying societal forces shaping those narratives, making him a distinctive and respected figure in the documentary film community.