Don Hardy is a celebrated documentary filmmaker whose impressive body of work has garnered widespread recognition within the film industry. His latest project, Citizen Penn, is a testament to his exceptional storytelling abilities, as it delves into the inspiring story of Sean Penn's humanitarian aid organization, J/P HRO. Established in the aftermath of the catastrophic 2010 Haiti earthquake, J/P HRO has dedicated itself to providing vital support to those affected by the disaster.
Don has been actively involved in the production of a documentary series for Disney+, aptly titled Pick of the Litter. This television series is a direct adaptation of his highly acclaimed 2018 documentary film of the same name, which garnered widespread acclaim and emerged as one of the most popular documentaries of the year. In his capacity as executive producer and show-runner for the Disney+ series, Don played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative and overseeing the production of the show. Furthermore, he also directed several episodes, showcasing his versatility as a filmmaker and his ability to excel in multiple roles within the production process.
Don is actively engaged in the development of a concise documentary series, focused on the pervasive issue of homelessness in California, which has been aptly titled The Way Home. This ambitious project has already yielded its inaugural season, which is presently accessible on a trio of prominent digital platforms: Amazon, Apple, and Google.
Don's illustrious career has been marked by a diverse array of projects that have garnered widespread recognition and acclaim, with notable highlights including his participation in the esteemed American Film Showcase, a prestigious film diplomacy program, during the years 2018 and 2019, an honor bestowed upon him by the State Department.
Don's cinematic endeavors have been showcased at numerous prestigious film festivals, with notable premieres at SXSW, Tribeca, and Slamdance. In 2015, his thought-provoking film, Theory of Obscurity, made its debut at SXSW, delving into the fascinating story of The Residents, a renowned music and art collective.
Noteworthy among Don's extensive filmography is his involvement in the 2015 cinematic release, "The Human Experiment", which premiered in theaters courtesy of Area 23a and subsequently became available on Video On Demand (VOD) through FilmBuff in the spring of that year. This thought-provoking documentary, narrated and executive produced by the renowned Sean Penn, boldly uncovers the astonishing truth that thousands of untested chemicals are omnipresent in our daily products, permeate our living spaces, and even reside within our bodies, thereby raising profound concerns about the far-reaching implications for our collective health and well-being.
Beyond his notable endeavors in documentary filmmaking, Don has concurrently held the esteemed position of Director of Photography on a diverse range of cinematic projects, including the critically acclaimed Batkid Begins, which made its world premiere at the prestigious Slamdance festival in the early months of 2015. Following its initial release, the film was subsequently acquired and distributed by the renowned Warner Brothers/New Line Cinema.
The cinematic endeavors of Don, a filmmaker of notable repute, have garnered widespread critical acclaim and widespread recognition in the realm of the entertainment industry.
His earlier directorial efforts, including the thought-provoking "Love Hate Love", which made its world premiere at the esteemed Tribeca Film Festival in the year 2011, have been met with widespread critical acclaim and have subsequently been broadcast on major television networks, thereby reaching a vast and diverse audience.
Additionally, Don's 2008 cinematic endeavor, "Witch Hunt", which premiered at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival, has also received widespread critical acclaim and has been broadcast on major television networks, thereby cementing his reputation as a filmmaker of exceptional talent and skill.
Don's creative endeavors extend far beyond the realm of film, as he is also a skilled practitioner of high-end brand filmmaking, crafting captivating cinematic experiences for a diverse array of esteemed clients.
Among his impressive roster of clients are Adidas, the global sportswear powerhouse, Cisco, the leading networking solutions provider, Kaiser Permanente, the renowned healthcare organization, and Bay Area Music Project, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting music education and empowerment.
Don's distinctive storytelling approach is characterized by a deep sense of empathy and sensitivity, allowing him to craft narratives that resonate deeply with his audience and leave a lasting impression.
Don's illustrious career has been punctuated by a plethora of accolades, with his films, photography, and editing endeavors collectively garnering a diverse array of prestigious awards from esteemed film festivals worldwide.
Notably, his work has been recognized and honored by the Cinequest Film Festival, the Woods Hole Film Festival, the Seattle International Film Festival, and the Sonoma International Film Festival, to name a few.
Furthermore, Don's outstanding contributions to the world of television have been formally acknowledged through the receipt of six regional Emmy Awards, a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft and his unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
As a result, Don's impressive body of work has been distinguished by a consistent stream of recognition and acclaim, a true reflection of his passion, creativity, and commitment to his profession.
