Derek Howard is a versatile and accomplished director and cinematographer with a diverse range of creative endeavors, hailing from the vibrant city of Vancouver, Canada, where his talent and dedication have led to a plethora of critically acclaimed projects, earning him widespread recognition and accolades at numerous esteemed international film festivals, further solidifying his reputation as a master of his craft.
Derek's illustrious career in the film industry has been marked by a plethora of collaborative endeavors, spanning both documentary and fiction genres, with his work subsequently being showcased at some of the most prestigious and renowned film festivals worldwide, including the esteemed Venice Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival, the Sundance Film Festival, HotDocs, IDFA, the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, the Festival du Nouveau Cinéma in Montreal, and the Festival des Films du Monde in Montreal, to name just a few.
Derek has been fortunate enough to participate in a multitude of distinguished programs, thereby broadening his horizons and refining his skills in the realm of documentary filmmaking.
He has had the privilege of attending the International Documentary Film Festival of Amsterdam's Summer School, a prestigious and highly competitive program that provides a unique opportunity for emerging filmmakers to hone their craft and connect with industry professionals.
Furthermore, Derek has also been selected to participate in IDFAcademy, a renowned program that offers a comprehensive and immersive learning experience, focusing on the art and craft of documentary filmmaking.
Additionally, he has had the opportunity to join the Reykjavik International Film Festival's Trans Atlantic Talent Lab, a program that brings together talented filmmakers from around the world to collaborate, network, and develop their projects.
Last but not least, Derek has also been part of the Berlinale Talents program, a prestigious initiative that provides a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work, connect with industry professionals, and gain valuable insights into the film industry.
The esteemed individual's comprehensive curriculum vitae proudly showcases a plethora of notable accomplishments, including a stint as assistant director and second director of photography on the prestigious Venice Film Festival opening night gala film, "Vivan Las Antipodas", helmed by the illustrious director Victor Kossakovky, which premiered in 2011.
Furthermore, his impressive résumé also highlights his work as assistant director and second director of photography on the critically acclaimed and Oscar-shortlisted film "Aquarela", released in 2018.
Derek has collaborated with renowned filmmakers, including Brett Story and Emelie Mahdavian, in various capacities, contributing to the creation of their notable documentary projects.
In 2019, Derek worked alongside Brett Story, a celebrated director, on the documentary "The Hottest August", which premiered at prestigious film festivals such as True/False, SXSW, and Hotdocs.
Additionally, Derek was involved in the production of Emelie Mahdavian's documentary "Bitterbrush", further solidifying his reputation as a skilled and versatile cinematographer.
Derek has taken the reins as a director, showcasing his expertise in the realm of short documentary filmmaking. His inaugural effort, "The Harvesters," made its highly anticipated debut at the prestigious VIFF in 2018 and later premiered at True/False in 2019. As he continues to hone his craft, Derek is diligently working on his next project, "Underground," which delves into the sensitive and pressing issue of sexual harassment on the subway, shedding light on a topic that is both timely and crucial.
