By James Longley From ida article here Andrew Berends wasn’t interested in becoming a martyr to the documentary film community or anyone else. Andy just wanted to be happy, and to be free from the physical and emotional agony he was feeling. Andy had simple dreams. He wanted to kiss that girl again—the one he …
Author Archives: mike
Mariah Wilson
I had the privilege of working with Andrew Berends on his film Madina’s Dream in 2014/2015. Andy was one of the bravest people I’ve ever met. His stories of being under fire in Iraq and detained in Nigeria while working on docs were beyond crazy – but for him, it was just part of his work. He was so …
Chai Vasarhelyi
Director of Free solo, from INSTAGRAM chaivasarhelyiWe have lost a wonderful friend and an important filmmaker – Andrew Berends. I first met Andy in 2006 when I saw his film Blood of my Brother. I was taken by his poignant and human images and asked our mutual friend Gwyn Welles to introduce us. We found …
Aaron Soffin
I last saw Andy a few weeks ago and am feeling devastated, like so many of you. I am very grateful for all of your memories of Andy. There’s some comfort in your words, and so I will try and share some of my memories as well. I was lucky enough to work with Andy …
IndieWire Tribute
D-word community reacts
Click here to see reactions to Andy’s death on the D-word.You have to be a member or use free sign up to read. John Burgan, Berlin, Germany For more recent D-Word members, here is the special topic we set up back in 2008 when Andy was arrested by the military in Nigeria. Reading it through, …
Doug Block
michiel pilgram
Andy had an amazing eye, human being, inspiration… I’ve known Andy since 1999 when he placed an ad in the Village Voice “looking for a Dutch speaking editor” to help him with a planned documentary about his father. Which turned into his first film Urk that I edited in 2001. He worked at Ogilvy to …